Libyan rebels surround Tripoli on three sides

Rebel forces in Libya say they have captured most of a key town near Tripoli, cutting off the capital where Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi is clinging to power six months into the NATO-backed rebel uprising.

Rebels fought into Zawiyah, just 30 miles from Tripoli, on Saturday. They now say they control most of the city, including the center, though fighting there is reportedly continuing, the Christian Science Monitor reported.

The rebels told CNN that they had cut off the coastal highway, which has been the main resupply route for Tripoli. Yesterday, reporters on their way to Tripoli from Tunisia also report the road being cut off and being turned back by government minders.

The rebels claimed to also have captured towns to the south and east of Tripoli, "tightening the noose around the capital," which is under a NATO naval blockade to the north, the Christian Science Monitor reported.

At least ten rebels died and 20 were reportedly wounded Saturday in the battle for the strategic town. 

The AFP reported that NATO warplanes accidentally bombed a tank the rebels had captured from Gaddafi’s forces, killing four of the resistance fighters.

If the rebels are able to hold the territory – they have made gains before, only to retreat under counterattack – it would be a major blow to Gaddafi and his forces.