CNN 2011-08-26

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The war that has raged across Libya since February appears to be coming to a conclusion. Now, when we put today's show together, the fighting was not over. There were reports of gunfire and explosions in parts of the Libyan capital of Tripoli. But most of that city was controlled by the rebels who have been fighting the forces of longtime leader Colonel Moammar Gadhafi. 

 

This was how things looked in other parts of the country: people celebrating the news that Colonel Gadhafi's rule might be almost over. There were celebrations in Tripoli, as well, despite the fighting going on between rebels and Gadhafi's supporters. Several significant events helped give momentum¹ to the rebels. They gained control of a main square where Moammar Gadhafi's troops had gathered previously². They took over the state-run television. And they arrested three of Colonel Gadhafi's sons. It wasn't clear what may happen to these men. but the International Criminal Court does have a warrant out for the arrest of one of the sons who was captured.

 

Reacting to the news out of Libya yesterday, President Obama described the situation as fluid, meaning uncertain and changing. But he said it's clear that "the Gadhafi regime is coming to an end and the future of Libya is in the hands of its people." So, what about Colonel Gadhafi himself? As of Monday afternoon, he hadn't been arrested. The rebels weren't sure where he was. But rebel officials said Gadhafi's capture would be the real moment of victory in this.

 

Moammar Gadhafi, whom you see in this file video, was 27 years old when he led a group of Libyan army officers in overthrowing³ the country's king. That was in September of 1969. Colonel Gadhafi has ruled Libya ever since. In the 1970s and '80s, he was known for supporting terrorism and terrorist groups. Starting in the late 1990s, he began working to re-establish connections with Western countries, like the U.S. But now, his 42-year reign⁴ looks to be ending. Early in the day Monday, Sara Sidner was in Tripoli reporting on the events there as the rebels advanced. Here's what she had to say.

 

From the coastal⁵ road to Green Square, what we are seeing are rebels that are filling the streets. They are celebrating. They are very, very jubilant that they've been able to come into this city so easily. Everybody seems to have guns, but we have, we have seen some families, for the first time, seen some families out. They are yelling Allah al Akbar, God is great. A happy scene that the Gadhafi regime did not show much resistance. And they feel like they are finally able to speak their minds about this regime they are very unhappy with.

 

Just a few residents. We see a little boy, that's here. There is some gunfire, not as much as what we've seen in the past when the rebels go forward. But certainly this city is a whole different place than it was just a day ago. Sara Sidner, CNN, Tripoli.

 

We remind you that what's happening in Libya is a developing story. The situation is changing; we have new details coming in all the time. In order to stay up on the most recent events, you can always go to CNN.com or to check out our home page, CNNStudentNews.com.

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