The embattled regime of Moammar Gadhafi is arming civilian supporters to set up checkpoints and quash dissent, residents of Tripoli said Saturday…

Pro-Gadhafi forces opened fire Friday on demonstrations after Muslim prayers, and Gadhafi told supporters he would “open the arms depot so all Libyans and tribes become armed.”

Residents contacted by phone from Cairo on Saturday reported trucks of pro-regime civilians patrolling the streets. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.