50 Charred Skeletons Found Near Gadhafi Military Base

Charred skeletons of some 50 people were found in a makeshift prison next to a military base abandoned by elite troops loyal to Moammar Gadhafi in southern Tripoli on Saturday, an Agence France Presse reporter saw.

Local residents discovered the remains after rebel forces took control of the base of the 32 Brigade commanded by Gadhafi's son Khamis in the district of Salaheddin.

"I am shocked, I never imagined I would see a scene like this in Libya," Dr. Salim Rajub, who lives near the base, told AFP, indicating they were victims of a massacre last Tuesday.

"On August 23, we heard gunfire before breaking the (Ramadan) fast and people shouting for help, but there were snipers outside and nobody could get close," he said.

"These men were killed by Kalashknikovs and hand grenades, and then they were burned."

Residents said there were a total of 53 bodies in the building, which showed signs of damage. An AFP correspondent counted 50.