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The Libyan rebels announced the beginning of the Tripoli battle libya conflict 2108111.

21 Aug, 2011 7:13 | 2011

Defense News - Libya

Sunday, August 21, 2011, 11:59 AM

The Libyan rebels announced the beginning of the Tripoli battle

Libyan rebels say they have launched an attack on Tripoli, piling more pressure onto Muammar Gaddafi’s forces. Gunfire and explosions could be heard in the capital on Saturday night,August 21, as the opposition moved closer.

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Libyan rebels claimed Sunday the final moment has come for the battle of Tripoli to topple Muammar Gaddafi, amid media reports of revolts in the capital against the Libyan leader.

Libyan rebels said Saturday that they had launched their first attack on Tripoli in coordination with NATO and gunbattles and mortar rounds rocked the city. NATO aircraft also made heavy bombing runs after nightfall, with loud explosions booming across the city.

The capture of Tripoli would almost certainly herald the end of Kadafi's regime, more than 40 years after the maverick leader seized power in a military coup that toppled the monarchy of the vast North African nation.

The Libyan rebels have taken control of the Tripoli International Airport in Tripoli, the rebel-controlled Libya TV said on Saturday. Earlier, the TV said the rebels had also captured a weapon depot in the capital.

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The Libyan rebels announced the beginning of the Tripoli battle libya conflict 2108111.