Libyan Protesters Control Western Cities, Closing to Tripoli Local Editor

Libyan pro-democracy protesters have taken control of several western cities while they are trying to seize the capital city of Tripoli.

According to AFP, main cities, including Zawiyah, some 50 kilometers (31miles) west of Tripoli, were seized on Sunday following the liberation of a number of eastern towns.

Forces and foreign armed forces loyal to defiant ruler Muammar Gaddafi have left Nalut, a town 235 kilometers (145 miles) west of Tripoli, according to reports.

Protesters are now planning to march on Tripoli where Gaddafi is holed up after they liberated most eastern parts of the country.

Protest leaders have set up a "national council" in the liberated east and urged the Libyan army to help them take control of Tripoli. They are calling for an end to the long-time rule of Colonel Gaddafi.