A convoy of at least 200 vehicles carrying forces loyal to Libya's Moammar Gadhafi has crossed into neighboring Niger, as anti-Gadhafi fighters continue to mass outside one of the ousted leader's last strongholds.
Reports from Niger Tuesday said the military vehicles were heading towards the capital, Niamey, after moving into Niger late Monday. The capital is in the country's southwestern corner near Burkina Faso, where officials offered Gadhafi asylum about two weeks ago.
The head of Gadhafi's security brigades, Mansour Dhao, and several other Libyans crossed into Niger hours ahead of the convoy.
Gadhafi's whereabouts are still unknown. It is not clear whether any of his relatives or officials from his government are among those who entered Niger, or whether they might join the convoy later.
The French news agency, AFP, reported Tuesday that Niger's foreign minister has denied reports Gadhafi is in the convoy.