While rebels in Libya prepare to go on the offensive in the civil war against Muammar Gaddafi’s regime with the hope of invading Tripoli soon, NATO said that there have been "significant advances." A move to take over the country’s capital will depend on whether or not the rebels can defeat Gaddafi’s forces in a battle currently waging for the crucial city of Zawiya, just west of Tripoli. Rebels have already moved in on territory south and east of the capital, and gaining control of Zawiya would give them more power to advance to Tripoli. A rebel spokesman said Gaddafi’s troops currently have control of the city’s eastern region, from where they are relentlessly shelling rebels with missiles.
