Militants 'escape from Libyan jails'

A group of convicted militants have escaped Libyan jails after rebels seized power in most of the country, the Algerian-based El Khabar paper quoted a security source as saying on Friday. The group of escapees comprised Libyan nationals extradited from Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia during the reign of Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, El Khabar said. "The Jihad devotees managed to join al Qaeda after they had escaped from Libyan jails," El Khabar said. "This situation boosts Algerian concerns that Jihad devotees dominate in the armed opposition," Unlike many Arab states, Algeria had not recognized the Libyan Transitional National Council. Rebels seized control of much of Tripoli this week, but Gaddafi's whereabouts remain unknown. The National Transitional Council on Wednesday offered an amnesty, as well as a $1.3-million reward, for anyone who captures or kills Gaddafi.