Libyan rebels push into Tripoli as Gaddafi appeals for help

National Transitional Council confirms capture of ruler’s son and rebel convoy enters Green Square, the capital’s symbolic heart Hundreds of rebel fighters pushed into the centre of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, late on Sunday as their battle to overthrow the 42-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi moved closer to ending in victory. Rebels waved opposition flags and fired guns into the air in jubilation after reaching Tripoli’s central Green Square, the symbolic heart of the city, in the early hours of Monday morning. Delighted residents were seen pouring into the streets to celebrate and greet the rebel fighters as they advanced through the suburbs towards the centre. The prosecutor of the international criminal court said one of Gaddafi’s sons, Saif al-Islam, who has been indicted along with his father on crimes against humanity charges had been detained. The head of the rebel National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abd el-Jalil said that his fighters who had detained Saif al-Islam had been given instructions to “treat him well”. There were also reports that Gaddafi’s eldest son, Mohammed, and the presidential guard had surrendered but Gaddafi’s Bab al-Aziziya compound was still under the control of the regime. As crowds gathered in Tripoli and the rebel-held city of Misrata, Gaddafi staged a dramatic late-night appeal for help. Speaking on state television via audiolink, for the second time on Sunday, the dictator sounded more measured than in previous, emotionally charged speeches. He said to the Libyan people: “There are criminals, they are coming to destroy Tripoli. They are coming to steal our oil. “Now it [Tripoli] is in ruins. They are coming, they are destroying it. Come out of your houses and fight these betrayers. Hurry up, hurry up, families and tribes, go to Tripoli. Call the tribes to go to Tripoli.” Libyan information ministry spokesman Moussa Ibrahim also insisted that Gaddafi forces would stand and fight. He said: “We are still very strong. We have thousands and thousands of fighters who have nowhere to go but to fight. “Nato has intensified its attacks on and around Tripoli, giving immediate and direct support for the rebels’ forces to advance into a peaceful capital of this great nation and the death toll is beyond imagination.” In an attempt to try to avoid a heavy battle in the city centre, Abd el-Jalil said the rebel fighters would halt their offensive if Gaddafi announced his departure, adding that they would give Gaddafi and his sons safe passage out of the country. Nato said on Sunday the situation was “very fluid”. “We can see that the regime is crumbling, and the sooner Gaddafi realises he cannot win this war against his own people, the better,” Nato spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. “He’s the one who’s responsible for starting the conflict and he should spare his people further bloodshed,” she added. Britain called on Gaddafi to stand down to save his people from further suffering. Downing Street said it was clear that the “end is near” for the Libyan leader. “It is clear from the scenes we are witnessing in Tripoli that the end is near for Gaddafi,” No 10 said. “He has committed appalling crimes against the people of Libya and he must go now to avoid any further suffering for his own people.” Earlier Muammar Gaddafi called for supporters from across Libya to help him defend the capital, with rebel forces then already in control of parts and massing

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