TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Jubilant rebel fighters swept into the heart of Tripoli as Muammar Gaddafi’s forces collapsed and crowds took to the streets to celebrate what they saw as the rapidly approaching end of his four decades of absolute power.
Rebels waving opposition flags and firing into the air drove into Green Square, a symbolic showcase the government had until recently used for mass demonstrations in support of the now embattled Gaddafi. Rebels immediately began calling it Martyrs Square.
U.S. President Barack Obama said Gaddafi’s rule was showing signs of collapse and called on him to quit now to avoid further bloodshed.
Laila Jawad, 36, who works at a Tripoli nursery, said: “We are about to be delivered from the tyrant’s rule. It’s a new thing for me. I am very optimistic. Praise be to God.”
The rebels made their entrance into the capital driving in convoy through a western neighborhood.
A rebel spokesman said the rebels now controlled over 95 percent of Tripoli.
Two of Gaddafi’s sons were captured by the rebels, who were also reported to have seized the Libyan state radio building in the capital. Gaddafi’s presidential guard units laid down their arms.
Remaining defiant, Gaddafi earlier had made two audio addresses over state
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