Rebels close in on Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte

Libyan rebels have continued advancing westward amid conflicting reports they may have taken Colonel Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte.

While difficult to verify, what is clear is that ever since coalition air strikes began, the insurgents seem to be increasingly turning the tide in this conflict.

Nine days ago they were staring down a barrel of a gun in Benghazi. Now, they could or may have taken the birthplace of Gaddafi after already recapturing Ajdabiya, and the key oil towns of Brega and Ras Lanuf.

While Sirte remains home to a key military base its fall would surely be a major psychological boost for the ragtag rebel army as it finally seeks to end the Libyan leader’s rule.

Rebels have set up several checkpoints along Libya’s main coastal road in an effort to cosolidate their gains.

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