TRIPOLI RISES - The Beginning of the End of the Gaddafi Regime in Libya

UPDATES NOW GO HERE

UPDATE: Sunday, Aug/21/11, 12:23 AM (UTC/GMT)

Revolutionary fighters are in full control of Suq Al-Jumuah district in Tripoli and the Islamic Museum in Sidi Khalifah area. Fighting there ended and Gaddafi forces withdrew to other places.

NATO bombed the gates of the prisons and the revolutionary fighters freed many prisoners. Reports that 500 prisoners were liberated today from Tajura prison, mostly political prisoners. No numbers of how many were freed from Abu Sleem prison.

In a speech 30 mins ago, Gaddafi told people in Tripoli to rise against the "colonial crusaders and armed gangs." Despite his words, Imran Abu Garaa, in charge of the Libyan National Oil Foundation, defected today.

Tunisia recognized the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the sole representative of the Libyan people. NTC leader Abdul-Jalil called upon the revolutionary fighters in Tripoli not to cause damage to public properties and installations and do their best to reduce the casualties on both sides.

There are reports that part of the Gaddafi family has fled to Venezuela, including his sons Mutassin and Hanibal. This information was reported by the NTC but it is yet to be confirmed by NATO.

The rebels report losses of 140 of their men up to 2:00 am on Sunday in all areas, mostly in Suq Al-Jumuah. No numbers regarding civilian casualties.

UPDATE: Saturday, Aug/20/11, 10:00 PM (UTC/GMT)

Moussa Ibrahim, the government spokes person for the Gaddafi regime gave a press conference at the Rixos hotel in Tripoli where all journalists are stationed. A few diplomats were also present.

In his official statement, Moussa Ibrahim declared that "nothing was happening in Tripoli only a few armed gangs had sneeked into the capital but all was under control."

He says that with the sound of gunfire on the background. All major news are now covering the uprising in Tripoli.

UPDATE: Saturday, Aug/20/11, 08:26 PM (UTC/GMT)

All reports now confirmed by mainstream media that various clashes started happening in Tripoli after sunset and people are on the streets in several districts near downtown: Soug Aljoma, Dahra, Tajoura, Ben Ashour, among others. This map shows Tripoli in details.

UPDATE: Saturday, Aug/20/11, 04:38 PM (UTC/GMT)

There were rumors that rebels had taken the main airport in Tripoli and were clashing with Gaddafi troops. That is NOT true. However, it has been reported from reliable sources that some Gaddafi men abandoned their posts near the airport for "lack of instructions."

Libya State TV continues to report that "armed gangs" are on retreat and "the crusaders" (meaning NATO) keeps bombing the Lbyan people. You can watch Libya State tV here. They have headlines in English.

UPDATE: Saturday, Aug/20/11, 01:25 PM (UTC/GMT)

Reuters: Libya’s oil chief, Omran Abukraa, is in Tunisia after deciding not to return to Libya from a trip abroad, a Tunisian official source said on Saturday, the third apparent defection this week of a senior figure associated with Moammar Gadhafi’s rule.

UPDATE: Friday, Aug/19/11, 03:50 AM (UTC/GMT)

Map of Tripoli with detailed neighborhoods. Reports of of intensive NATO activity before dawn.

For closer look follow the link: map

UPDATE: Friday, Aug/19/11, 12:30 AM (UTC/GMT)

Brega liberated! now confirmed by Al Jazeera

UPDATE: Friday, Aug/19/11, 11:18 PM (UTC/GMT)

It has been confirmed now by many sources that the city of Zlintan is now liberated and the push for Tripoli called "Zero Hour" has been initiated. The operation is called "Dawn of the Mermaid" and can be followed on twitter under the tag #tripolicalling

I will continue updating this report as more information is confirmed.

Carol Viana

Friday, Aug/19/11, 18:55 PM (UTC/GMT)

Since August 13th it is hard to keep up with all the victories of the Revolutionary Forces in Libya.

There were significant victories in Zawiyah, Zlitan and Gharyan this week and today the last stronghold of Gaddafi forces in Zawiyah, known as Martyrs Square, was fully liberated. Earlier this week, rebel forces took control of the local oil refinary, cutting its supply to Tripoli.

Sky News Correspondent Alex Crawford, who arrived in Libya two days ago, now reports from Martyr's Square amidst celebratory fire. The city had been under siege for 5 months, the main mosque completely destroyed.

The city of Zlitan still has a few areas of clashes although downtown area is completely clear. Reuters reports that 32 revolutionary fighters perished today in clashes with Gaddafi forces, but the resistance vows to clear the area completely in the next few days.

Both the cities of Gharyan and Zawiyah, now fully liberated, prepare to join forces with the rebel forces as all eyes turn to Tripoli.

Larger numbers of Tripolitanian families have been fleeying the capital since August 13th as revolutionary forces prepare for "zero hour."

There are rumors that Gaddafi could flee Libya before rebels enter Tripoli but so far no negotiations with the Gaddafi family were confirmed by NATO officials.

Carol Viana

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