15/08/2011 12:38
Libyan rebels advance into Zawiya, Gharyan
Libyan rebels have advanced into two strategic towns controlling access to the capital, Tripoli, from the west and the south.
Fighting was reported in both Zawiya, just 50km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, and Gharyan, 80km to the south, according to BBC.
If the towns fall to the rebels, they would have Tripoli surrounded by land, with NATO blocking sea access.
In comments broadcast on Libyan TV, Col Muammar Gaddafi called on supporters "to get ready for the fight."
"Move forward, challenge, pick up your weapons, go to the fight for liberating Libya inch by inch from the traitors and from NATO," he said, in a statement in poor-quality audio early on Monday, described as live by Libyan TV.