Libyan Rebels Seize Capital Tripoli

In Libya, rebels stormed the capital of Tripoli.  Much of the city was secured over the course of the evening, but fighting continued around Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's compound throughout throughout the night.  There were also reports of renewed battle around the city of Zawiya, west of Tripoli.

During this operation, NATO stepped up its air presence in enforcing the no-fly-zone that has been in effect for several months.  The government forces reportedly fired three missiles at Misrata, controlled by the rebels.  NATO reported no casualties or damage, but condemned these strikes as a "threat to innocent people."

NATO and US advisors are concerned that Gadhafi's soldiers, including foreign mercenaries, may attempt to massacre civilians in the coming days.  There are also worries of an insurgency.

Two of Gadhafi's sons were reportedly captured, but there are conflicting reports of them being seen free at a Tripoli hotel.  As for Moammar Gadhafi himself, there is no sign.  Theories of his whereabouts include neighboring Chad or Algeria, the southern Libyan desert, or even some safehouse in Tripoli.

As the rebels consolidated their forces in Tripoli, mindful of snipers on rooftops, others pushed north to the coast, attempting to secure the highway leading to neighboring Tunisia.  There is a holdout of loyalist forces holding position along the coast.

More Deaths in Syria Despite Promises from Assad

As demonstrators took to the streets in Syria, they once more found themselves under fire from government security forces.  International human rights monitors reported at least twenty died.  This renewed violence comes as international calls for President Assad's resignation mount.  Friday is typically a day of increased protests in the Arab world, which occur following morning prayers. 

Libyan Opposition Advances on Capital Tripoli

After seizing a key oil refinery, Libya’s opposition forces have begun to advance on Tripoli.  The oil refinery was the last remaining source of fuel for Col. Gadhafi’s forces.  After securing the site, the rebels began their march on the capital.  Heavy gunfire is currently being exchanged in the outskirts of the city.  With the rebels on all sides and NATO enforcing a no-fly-zone, it looks as if Gadhafi has no way out.

US Threatens Syria With Sanctions; Demands Pres. Assad Step Down

The United States of America has issued calls for Syria's President Assad to step down.  The US has threatened very harsh sanctions including the freezing of all Syrian assets under US control and forbidding any American citizens from having business with Syria.

President Assad Says Army Attacks on Syrian Civilians Have Ceased

An official at the United Nations said that Syria's President Assad has promised UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that the assault on Syrian civilians by government security forces has been halted.  Hundreds of unarmed, peaceful protesters have been arrested and/or shot by police and military forces since February, following the overthrow of the Tunisian and Egyptian regimes.

8/16/11 Gadhafi Fires SCUD Missile, Rebels Prepare to Take Tripoli

Over the course of the summer, a bloody stalemate has persisted in Libya between government forces loyal to leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi and rebel forces.  The rebels have recently taken several more cities on all sides of the capital Tripoli, which remains Gadhafi's stronghold.  In aftermath of the loss of these cities, Gadhafi's government launched a SCUD missile at the rebel forces.  NATO said that they were aware of the missile and its launch, but that it was not considered a threat.  The United States reported that it landed without effect in the desert.

According to CNN, intense street-to-street fighting is occurring in the key city of Zawiya.  Zawiya lies only a short distance to the west of Tripoli.  Col. Ahmed Banni, a military spokesman for the National Transitional Council (the official name of the revolutionary forces) said that he expected to be able to march on Tripoli by the end of the month.  Zawiya is situated on a major supply route from Tripoli to the neighboring country of Tunisia.

The BBC reports that NATO no longer believes Ghadafi's forces capable of launching "coherent operations."  This would be of vital importance to the National Provisional Council, who has had trouble in the past holding onto significant gains.

The National Provisional Council has already been recognized as the legitimate government of Libya by a number of nations.

sources:

Libya conflict: Rebels fight for control of Zawiya 

         http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14550840

 Rebels in Libya eyeing Tripoli

        http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/16/libya.war/index.html?hpt=hp_t1