Rebel fighters in Libya are reported to have seized control of the Mediterranean town of Zawiya, about 50 km west of the capital Tripoli, after heavy fighting forces loyal to the Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Qaddafi.
The Reuters news agency reported on August 14 that around 50 anti-government guerrillas were seen shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) near the town's main market.
The rebels' red, black and green flag was seen flying from a shop.
Pro-Qaddafi fighters, including snipers, were said by rebels to be still present in the town and occasional gunfire could be heard, though no heavy fighting.
Rebel fighters say Tripoli will be their next target.
The rebel attack on Zawiya is the most dramatic advance into Qaddafi-controlled territory since the uprising against his rule began six months ago.
Since April, the conflict between the rebels and government forces has been locked in a stalemate.
Despite months of NATO airstrikes hitting regime forces, rebels have failed to budge the main front lines.
Reuters
The Reuters news agency reported on August 14 that around 50 anti-government guerrillas were seen shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) near the town's main market.
The rebels' red, black and green flag was seen flying from a shop.
Pro-Qaddafi fighters, including snipers, were said by rebels to be still present in the town and occasional gunfire could be heard, though no heavy fighting.
Rebel fighters say Tripoli will be their next target.
The rebel attack on Zawiya is the most dramatic advance into Qaddafi-controlled territory since the uprising against his rule began six months ago.
Since April, the conflict between the rebels and government forces has been locked in a stalemate.
Despite months of NATO airstrikes hitting regime forces, rebels have failed to budge the main front lines.
Reuters