Libyan Rebels Advance Into Central Tripoli
Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford, accompanying the rebels, said the opposition fighters had been greeted with scenes of jubilation as they made their way from the western town of Zawiyah to the capital. As they entered the city, their cars gridlocked the roads, she said."The streets up until now have been filled with women and children and there are a lot of rebel flags out on display."They (the rebels) had been expecting much more resistance but there has been very little."She reported hearing the sounds of celebratory gunfire from the rebel vehicles."There is absolutely no question in their minds that they have beaten Gaddafi and it is just a question of how he will go," she added.
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"There does not appear to be any resistance."
The quick advance came after the fighters captured the base of the Khamis Brigade, 16 miles west of the capital.It is said to be one of the best-trained and equipped units in the Libyan military and is commanded by Col Gaddafi's 27-year-old son Khamis. Aside from the main rebel movement from the west of the city, fighting also broke out in the city's Mitiga airbase, while the suburb of Tajoura reportedly also fell under rebel control.Gunfire was also heard near the hotel where foreign media are staying.
ALEX CRAWFORD WITH REBELS AS THEY COME UNDER FIRE
As the rebel movement came closer to the capital, Col Gaddafi broadcast a message on state television calling on Libyan people to come from all regions and liberate Tripoli. He said he was "afraid Tripoli will burn" but that he will remain in the city until the end.The Libyan government also earlier appealed for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Nato's "aggression" Spokesman for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Moussa Ibrahim, told reporters the rebels were nothing without Nato and they would never be able to take Libya.
Fighting reportedly broke out in several areas of Tripoli
"Tripoli is well protected and we have thousands upon thousands of professional soldiers ready to defend this city against any possible invasion by rebels under the cover of Nato." He added: "What is happening now and what is going to happen is not the power of the rebels. "It is the power of Nato - a major force for evil that has no heart, using armed gangs to occupy a whole nation." Rebels initially advancing on the capital came under sniper fire at the western gate of Tripoli, forcing them to retreat slightly.
They then advanced again, taking in several towns along the way and then staged large protests around the city.:: Rebel fighters have also reportedly been engaged in gun battles in the town of Assadah, south of Gharyan, around 65 miles south of Tripoli.
