Libyan rebel forces have located former Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi's hideout, Tripoli Military Council leader Abdelhakim Belhadj told Al-Jazeera on Sunday. Rebels believe the former dictator and some of his relatives may be hiding in Bani Walid, a town located some 40 miles north of Tripoli, which is known as a safe haven for Gadhafi supporters. Meanwhile, Arab media reported on Sunday that rebel forces had arrested one of the most hated women in Libya, Huda Ben Amer, also known as the "Huda the Executioner." Ben Amer, who was mayor of Benghazi until she was forced out by the uprising earlier this year, is suspected of executing hundreds of Libyans and jailing thousands more on orders from Gadhafi. Libyan media called Ben Amer's arrest "the best gift to the Libyan people for Eid al-Fitr," referring to the Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Born to a poor family in Benghazi, Ben Amer caught Gadhafi's eye during the execution of an opponent of the regime when she lunged at the condemned man, breaking his elbow while shouting praises for Gadhafi. Gadhafi was said to be so impressed by her ruthlessness that he appointed her mayor, making her one of the most influential women in Libya. He even served as best man at her wedding. Ben Amer was known as a staunch supporter of Gadhafi's policy of executing his opponents. She was often quoted as saying, "For the sake of Gadhafi and state security, we must increase the number of executions of those convicted of treason." During the uprising in Libya, Ben Amer stood by the deposed leader, declaring, "I prefer to sacrifice my soul for Gadhafi rather than join the rebels."
Libyan rebels surround possible Gadhafi hideout
Rebels say they have closed in on former dictator, have him surrounded • They also claim to have captured the most hated woman in Libya, Gadhafi's close aide, also known as the "Benghazi hangwoman."
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