Libyan rebels edge closer to Tripoli
LIBYA: On the eastern front near Brega, Libyan rebels have captured
the residential districts of the oil town on Thursday but Gaddafi’s
forces still hold western parts of the town where the oil facilities are
located, Libya TV said.
The residential area is about 15 km east of the oil terminal and sea
port.
While in the west front, the rebel forces had pushed toward Zawiyah,
trying to get within striking distance of Tripoli, leader Muammar
Gaddafi’s capital, it said.
They reached the village of Bir Shuaib, 25 km from Zawiyah, which has
unsuccessfully risen up against Gaddafi twice this year. It lies less
than 50 km west of Tripoli, on the main road to Tunisia, which has been
a lifeline for Libya.
The rebels have seized large areas of the North African state.
Gaddafi is clinging to power despite nearly five-months of NATO air
strikes, tightening economic sanctions and a lengthening war with rebels
seeking to end his 41-year rule. Xinhua |