Rebels Vow to Take Tripoli

Demonstrations planned in Libyan capital today
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 25, 2011 2:00 AM CST
Updated Feb 25, 2011 5:45 AM CST
Libyan Rebels Vow to Take Tripoli
A Libyan man waves the country's old national flag in the eastern dissident-held city of Benghazi .   (Getty Images)

Libyan rebels say they are closing in on Moammar Gadhafi's Tripoli stronghold and they won't stop until the leader is ousted. Residents of the capital say they have received text messages calling for a massive demonstration today, which would be the first in Tripoli for several days. "It's now or never," a businessman who predicts a huge turnout tells the Washington Post. "We will go and gather, even if we are slaughtered," another Tripoli resident says.

Rebel leaders say fighters have been sent towards Tripoli in small units to make it easier for them to bypass forces still loyal to Gadhafi. "We have a plan to bring down Tripoli," one of seven former colonels who have taken charge of rebel forces in Benghazi tells the Wall Street Journal. "We will not stop until we liberate the whole country." He says he has been contacted by several tribal leaders who have renounced their allegiance to Gadhafi. (More Moammar Gadhafi stories.)

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