Saif Gaddafi (Creative Commons)

“We assure people we are here, ready and in good shape,” Saif said. “We want to tell the people we are present, the resistance is continuing and victory is near.” 

Saif said he was still in Tripoli as of Wednesday in an audio message broadcast on Wednesday. While not specific about his current location, Saif claimed to be hiding in a suburb.

His comments differ from recent claims made by another of Gaddafi’s sons, Saadi. 

Saadi told Arabiya TV that he had been in talks with rebels on ending bloodshed after contacting a National Transitional Council rebel commander after authorization from his father. 

“We acknowledge that they represent a legal party, but we are also the government and a legal negotiating party," Saadi said.

Saadi is reportedly negotiating his own surrender. Military leader Abdel Hakim Belhaj told the Associated Press that Saadi was told he would be treated within the law. 

Meanwhile, leaders of the National Transitional Council said they believe Qaddafi is located in Bani Walid, a desert town about 150 miles southeast of Tripoli. 

They are waiting for Qaddafi to surrender, according to NTC deputy chairman Abdul Hafith Ghoga in a phone interview with The New York Times.

Previous claims that rebels were close to capturing the longtime Libyan leader have proven false.

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