Gaddafi forces abandon parts of Tripoli

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/167334.html

Reports say forces and foreign mercenaries loyal to Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi have surrendered parts of the capital, Tripoli, to pro-democracy protesters.

Residents in some neighborhoods of the capital are barricading their streets and proclaiming open defiance. Demonstrators have also taken control of the city of Zawiyah, some 50-kilometers west of Tripoli.

This comes as revolutionary forces are advancing towards Tripoli. Forces loyal to Gaddafi continue the violent suppression of anti-government demonstrations as protesters are fighting their way into the capital.

More anti-government demonstrations continue across Libya as more cities fall under protesters' control.

They have already seized control of several cities including Libya's second largest city, Benghazi.

Meanwhile, the opposition is planning to form an interim government in cities liberated from Gaddafi's rule, to pave the way for free and fair elections.

The UN Security Council has imposed sanctions on the Libyan regime and has refered Gaddafi to the International Criminal Court.

The United Nations' refugee agency says nearly 100,000 people have fled Libya in the past week amid simmering tension in the North African country.

According to the UNHCR, most of the evacuees were foreign nationals.

The agency described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, urging the Tunisian and Egyptian governments to support the evacuees.

Earlier, border security officials at Ra's Jedir crossing said over 38,000 people have crossed Libya into Tunisia since February 20.

The evacuation of foreign nationals has picked up speed since Colonel Gaddafi announced plans to arm his supporters to fight his opponents.