Libyan Rebels Advancing: Tripoli In their Sights?

The rebels are advancing in Libya. The key question now becomes: do they have “big mo” and will head towards Tripoli? Or is this yet one more blip on the screen with a final ending that will mean their defeat or a stalemate?

Here’s a report from Newsy.com:

Taking Moammar Gadhafi’s hometown Sirte, which lies halfway between the rebel-held east and the government-controlled west, would be a major coup for the rebels who are quickly advancing toward the capitol city of Tripoli.

Entrances to Sirte have been mined, according to The Associated Press.

Watch ABC News for President Obama’s speech on U.S. involvement in Libya, anchored by Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos, live, Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET

Earlier today, rebels regained two key oil complexes along Libya’s coastal highway. Their westward march towards Sirte mirrors their earlier advancement towards the capitol, but this week they had powerful air forces bombarding Gadhafi’s military and clearing a path.

Shortly after nightfall, an air raid on Tripoli began. A reporter for the AP said nine loud explosions and anti-aircraft fire was heard in the Libyan capitol.

Around the same time, foreign journalists in Sirte began reporting heavy explosions and warplanes flying overheard, the AP reported. Libyan state television also confirmed air raids in Sirte and Tripoli.

Here’s ABC’s report: