Nearing the end?

Libyan rebel chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil told reporters on Saturday that "the end is very near" for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. He also said the rebels had claimed the strategic port city of Brega, 750 kilometers (466 miles) from the capital Tripoli, which the rebels say they are closing in on.

"We have contacts with people from the inner circle of Gadhafi," Jalil, who is head of the National Transitional Council, said.

"All evidence shows that the end is very near, with God's grace," he added.

Late on Saturday, there were reports that the sound of gunfire and explosions was intensifying in Tripoli. Anti-Gadhafi street protests were also reported to have taken place in the city on Saturday.

The fighting appeared to die down during the early hours of Sunday, with the Libyan leadship claiming that rebels had been repelled.

In the past few days, the rebels have seized Zlitan, located 160 kilometers east of Triploi, and Zawiya, which is 40 kilometers west of the capital.

More defections reported

Meanwhile, there are reports that several senior Libyan diplomats have defected.

Libya's former number two, Abdessalem Jalloud, left for Italy via Tunisia on Saturday, a senior Tunisian government official told the AFP news agency. Rebels also claim that Jalloud had crossed over to their side.

Reuters reports that Libya's oil chief, Omran Abukraa, is in Tunisia and has decided not to go back home. It would be the third defection this week. On Monday, a senior security official, Nasser al-Mabruk Abdullah, flew to Cairo from Tunisia.

The fighting has extended to Tunisia, with skirmishes between Libyan infiltrators and Tunisian troops reported on the border between Libya and Tunisia.

Tunisian security sources said their forces had intercepted Libyan men in vehicles with weapons and fought them through the night in the desert. They reported several casualties.

US says 'days are numbered'

The US believes Gadhafi's time in power in nearing an end, saying on Saturday that opposition leaders must work together to prepare for power.

"It is clear that the situation is moving against Gaddafi," US assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman told a news conference after meeting Libyan rebel leaders at their headquarters in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi.

"The opposition continues to make substantial gains on the ground while his forces grow weaker," Feltman said. "It is time for Gadhafi to go and we firmly believe that his days are numbered."

Washington has recognized the rebels' National Transitional Council (NTC) as Libya's legitimate authority. Feltman called on its leaders to work together now and plan to establish the rule of law, set up transparent and accountable institutions and provide safety and services.

Author: Nicole Goebel, Richard Connor (Reuters, AFP, dpa)
Editor: Kyle James