'Libyan fighters make way to Tripoli'

Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/194940.html

Libya's opposition fighters say they have made their way to the country's capital, Tripoli, in a final push to bring down the regime of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

Opposition sources claimed on Sunday that they are controlling most of the Tajourah district east of Tripoli and have surrounded Mitiga air base in the area.

Fighting has also been reported in Souk al-Juma and Arada districts of the Libyan capital.

In an audio message earlier on Sunday, Gaddafi accused the West of trying to occupy his country for its vast oil reserves.

The 69-year-old Libyan dictator slammed French President Nicolas Sarkozy as Paris is leading NATO-led airstrikes on the North African country.

"To win the upcoming election, he [Sarkozi] wants to be able to say to his people: 'Here, I'm offering you Libyan oil' and this is going to be achieved with the help of traitors," Gaddafi said.

"But the Libyan people will not allow France to take its oil or leave Libya to the hands of traitors," he was quoted as saying by AFP.

Meanwhile, four strong blasts rocked Tripoli early Sunday.

The explosions were heard shortly after 4:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) in the heart of the city as NATO warplanes flew overhead.

Libyan revolutionary forces reportedly took control of Tripoli International Airport on Saturday.

Libya has been the scene of intense fighting between government troops and opposition forces since a revolution seeking to topple Gaddafi began in mid-February.