Gaddafi threatens to "burn all of Libya" if citizens don't cease protests against regime

Tripoli, Feb 26 (ANI): Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has warned to "burn all of Libya" if the citizens do not cease protests against him.

In a surprise televised appearance, Gaddafi warned he was ready to unleash further bloodshed and urged his followers: "Prepare to defend Libya," Sky News reports.

"We will defeat any outside attempt to overturn our country," he told loyalists gathered in Tripoli's Green Square, and adding that "Libyan people love me."

The warnings have come days after the massive anti-government protests in Tripoli, which have left hundreds of people dead.

The US has shut down its embassy in Tripoli and the White House said it would be introducing sanctions against Libya "in the near future".

A spokesman said it was made "in concert with international partners".

Obama said in a statement that: "The Libyan government's continued violation of human rights, brutalization of its people, and outrageous threats have rightly drawn the strong and broad condemnation of the international community."

Meanwhile, Britain has warned senior Libyan regime officials to stop supporting Colonel Gaddafi or face trial along with the autocratic ruler for crimes against humanity. (ANI)