BBC News with Jerry Smit
Rebel forces in Libya have made a rapid advance westwards against government troops helped by international air strikes which have destroyed many of Colonel Gaddafi's tanks and artillery.
Explosions have been heard in the capital Tripoli and the government stronghold of Sirte. Earlier, rebels captured the oil ports of Ras Lanuf and Brega. Ben Brown reports.
It’s been a
remarkable
day for the rebels. They've now advanced westwards along the coastal highway. Town after town has fallen to them - Brega, Uqayla, Ras Lanuf, Bin Jawad. The rebels are in a state of high excitement. They've been firing their guns into the air in
exuberant
celebration.
But the truth is they would never have made this breakthrough if it hadn't been for the devastating coalition air strikes outside Ajdabiya on Thursday and Friday.
The rebels claim they could be in Sirte tomorrow, Colonel Gaddafi's birthplace and his heartland.
A rebel spokesman in another Libyan city Misrata told the BBC that fighting was continuing for control of the main roads through the city. He said the rebels were being helped by aerial attacks by Western forces.
'This is the first night of major, major activities and major bombings by the international community around Misrata. They have bombed all his resources and barracks around Misrata, so we are getting much needed and much
appreciate