Libyan Rebels Storm Qadhafi Stronghold
A raging battle between Libyan rebels and troops loyal to Libyan leader Mu’ammar Qadhafi ended with the fall to rebel forces of the Qadhafi’s compound in Tripoli, the capital. Pockets of resistance remained, however. Fierce fighting was still going on in isolated areas of Tripoli and in the border city of Zuwarah, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) to the west. NATO spokesperson Roland Lavoie, speaking at a news conference in Naples, Italy, noted, “Our mission is not over yet. . . . The situation in Tripoli is still very serious and very dangerous.” He added that neither NATO nor Libyan rebel forces knew Qadhafi’s whereabouts.
Libyan rebels launched their assault on Tripoli in the night on August 21 and advanced into the heart of the city with little opposition. They quickly took command of Green Square, the symbol of Libyan leader Mu’ammar Qadhafi’s power, and renamed it Martyr’s Square. Jubilant rebel supporters tore down Qadhafi’s all green flags and defaced and trampled his portraits, heralding an end to his nearly 42-year rule. On August 22, rebel commanders claimed to have taken control of about 80 percent of the capital. However, they remained engaged in a raging battle outside Qadhafi’s compound, fighting against a tank corp defending the walled enclave (an area existing apart from a larger surrounding area).
On the diplomatic front, President Barack Obama of the United States issued a statement on August 21 noting that Qadhafi “needs to acknowledge the reality that he no longer controls Libya.” British Prime Minister David Cameron stated that Qadhafi has “committed appalling crimes against the people of Libya and he must go now to avoid any further suffering for his own people.” In Cairo, the government of Egypt recognized the rebels as the legitimate government of Libya on August 22. At the United Nations in New York City, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon announced that he was organizing a meeting with members of the African Union and the Arab League to help smooth the transition to a new government.
