BBC News with Gaenor Howells

Hundreds of Libyan rebels have arrived in the capital Tripoli after fighting their way from the west. They were

greet

ed by people lining the streets and waving rebel flags. Earlier, the rebels took control of a key military base on the western approach to Tripoli. Other rebels have

set up

checkpoints in suburbs on the eastern outskirts of the capital. There's been gunfire near the central hotel where foreign journalists are staying. Matthew Price sent this report.

The rebels have called this "zero hour" - the hour when the uprising came back to Tripoli.

Throughout

the night and much of the day, there's been the sound of gunfire, small arms and heavy weapons and explosions, both sides fighting in what may be the final battle of this six-month-long conflict. It's clear there have been bloody battles in parts of the city.

In areas where the fighting has not been taking place, people were said to be staying indoors.

A government source here told the BBC that there are 65,000 professional soldiers loyal to Colonel Gaddafi ready to defend this city. The source also believes that the tribes here are preparing to protect their own.

The Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi says he'll not abandon Tripoli and that he'll stay there until the end. Speaking on Libyan state TV, Colonel Gaddafi also said he would be

victorious

.

"I am with you in this battle; I am in your