Libyan rebels are claiming to have a made a number of gains in advancing on Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s stronghold in the capital Tripoli. The rebels have reportedly seized most of the city of Zawiyah from the west, while also controlling access to Tripoli from the south. In Brussels, a NATO spokesperson said the conflict in Libya is reaching a turning point.

Col. Roland Lavoie: “These last few days, we have witnessed significant advances of anti-Gaddafi forces on several fronts: in the northwest, where Gaddafi forces have lost considerable grounds, and also in the regions of Misurata and Brega. Anti-Gaddafi forces are now assuming control of the key approaches to Tripoli. These advances are the most significant anti-Gaddafi territorial gain we have seen in months.”