Post date: Aug 22, 2011 7:27:26 AM
Demonstrators chant and wave flags outside the White House, celebrating news rebel fighters had swept into Tripoli.
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (AUGUST 21, 2011) NBC - According to NBC, about fifty people chanting and waving flags gathered outside the White House in Washington late Sunday night (August 21) to celebrate news that jubilant rebel fighters had swept into the heart of Tripoli as Muammar Gaddafi's forces collapsed.
Rebels waving opposition flags and firing into the air drove into Green Square, a symbolic showcase the government had until recently used for mass demonstrations in support of the now embattled Gaddafi. Rebels immediately began calling it Martyrs Square.
Two of Gaddafi's sons were captured by the rebels, but the whereabouts of Gaddafi himself was unknown.
U.S. President Barack Obama said Gaddafi's rule was showing signs of collapse and called on him to quit now to avoid further bloodshed.
Obama, who is vacationing in Martha's Vineyard, said on Sunday Muammar Gaddafi's rule was showing signs of collapse and called on the Libyan leader to relinquish power to avoid further casualties.
"The surest way for the bloodshed to end is simple: Muammar Gaddafi and his regime need to recognize that their rule has come to an end," Obama said in a statement. "Gaddafi needs to acknowledge the reality that he no longer controls Libya. He needs to relinquish power once and for all."
The United States has played a supporting role in the NATO campaign that started in March to protect rebels, protesters and civilians from attacks by Gaddafi's forces, providing technical support and intelligence to help air strikes.