Refugees are Fleeing Tripoli

Hundreds of people slipped out of Tripoli overnight and fled to rebel lines, and the rebels are saying this is another sign that the capital will soon fall to them.

The refugees are part of a growing exodus from the Libyan capital, which follows significant advances by the ragtag rebel army toward the capital. Their victories have led many to expect Gaddafi’s era to be finished in in the coming days or weeks, but many inhabitants of Tripoli say they can’t wait that long.

The refugees leaving the city by car are joining thousands of others who traded Gaddafi-controlled areas for the rebel stronghold of the Nafusa Mountains. Government intimidation, food shortages and fear for NATO bombings have prompted them to leave, they say, stressing that the majority of people in the capital are waiting for the rebels to enter the city.

I am not so sure about this, since Gaddafi's forces seem to have a lot of fight left in them. But perhaps a tipping point has been crossed.