Qadhafi's Supply Lines in Danger of Falling into Rebel Hands

It was late last night when the news became clear - the Libyan freedom fighters have taken at least the major part of  Zawiyah, a town 50 kilometers west of Tripoli that is very important in the Qadhafi regime’s supply lines from Tunisia. With Zawiyah in the hands of the insurgents, Qadhafi will have difficulty maintaining the flow of supplies of petroleum, food and other necessities needed in Tripoli.

The rebel national transition council reports that 52 Qadhafi force soldiers were captured in the attack, which was described as difficult because Qadhafi regime forces held civilians hostage in buildings along the route.

Qadhafi sources say that the southern and western entries to Zawiyah were secured by the rebels but that they have not been able to enter and fully control the city.

At the same time, the NTC says it has “total control” of the 15 kilometers between Zawiyah and Sorman, another coastal town important for Qadhafi supply lines from Tunisia.

Qadhafi himself remained defiant last night, announcing that the rebels were fleeing “like rats” and that “the masses” were driving them away from Tripoli.

French media report that, despite heavy UN bombings, the lack of coordination and professional military leadership is preventing the freedom fighters from gaining advantage of the situation.

We will have to wait for more clarity. But, one thing is clear - Qadhafi forces are not advancing as before and the rebels seem to be on the move toward Tripoli more than ever.