More than 80% of the city of Tripoli is under the control of Libyans rebels 2208111

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Defense News - Libya

 
 
Monday, August 22, 2011, 11:04 AM
 
More than 80% of the city of Tripoli is under the control of Libyans rebels.
Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi may still be in Tripoli as fierce fighting continues around his residence in the country’s capital, media reports said on Monday, August 22, 2011. Six months after a ragtag group of poorly trained rebels set out to topple the Libyan regime, the fighters appeared Monday to be on the brink of ending Moammar Gadhafi's 42-year rule. The loyalists control 15 to 20 percent of the city.
     

Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi may still be in Tripoli as fierce fighting continues around his residence in the country’s capital, media reports said on Monday, August 22, 2011. Six months after a ragtag group of poorly trained rebels set out to topple the Libyan regime, the fighters appeared Monday to be on the brink of ending Moammar Gadhafi's 42-year rule. The loyalists control 15 to 20 percent of the city.
Libyan rebels in Benghazi celebrated the victory of Tripoli battle

     

Following a euphoric night during which the rebels swept into the capital and appeared to be edging their six-month struggle towards triumph, clashes were reported in the vicinity of Gaddafi's complex, known as Bab al-Aziziya, and Tripoli remained tense and anxious. Foreign journalists in the city reported hearing gunfire and explosions, while pockets of resistance appeared to be launching last-ditch attempts to fight back.

Some pockets of resistance remain in Tripoli. Earlier this morning, BBC correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes and his crew came under fire in the centre of the capital: "As we drove along the sea-front towards Green Square, the convoy was ambushed by Gaddafi loyalists using a 20mm anti-aircraft cannon."

In Zawiya -- a key coastal city that appeared under rebel control -- residents celebrated by firing guns in the air, setting off fireworks and chanting, "Libya is free!" And in Benghazi, one resident called the rebel gains as joyous as "New Year's Day."

Libya's rebels have captured Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif Al-Islam, the head of the rebel National Transitional Council told Al Jazeera television on August 21,2011.