Gaddafi's son nearing Niger border

Dakar, Senegal: A high-ranking Tuareg official in Niger has told Agencies that Muammar Gaddafi's son is making his way toward the country.

Saif Al Islam Gaddafi, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, appears to be taking the same route his brother Al Saadi Gaddafi used in September to flee Libya.

Rissa ag Boula is a former Tuareg rebel leader who is now a member of the regional municipal council in Agadez. He told Agencies on Tuesday that the latest Gaddafi son headed for Niger is being ferried by ethnic Tuaregs, who were among Gaddafi's strongest supporters.

Niger's government has said that members of the Gaddafi regime seeking refuge in the West African nation will not be turned back to Libya without guarantees for their safety.