Rebel operation in Tripoli to isolate Gaddafi: spokesman

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An operation called 'Mermaid' is underway in the Libyan capital to isolate Muammar Gaddafi and force his surrender or departure, a rebel spokesman has revealed.

Spokesman Ahmed Jibril said 'operation mermaid' is a joint effort between the Benghazi-based rebel National Transitional Council, insurgents fighting in and around Tripoli and NATO forces.

"The operation is also in coordination with NATO," he said, adding would last several days 'until we surround Gaddafi' to force him 'either to surrender or to escape'.

Rebels, he said, would 'welcome and accept' a decision from Gaddafi to leave the north African nation he has ruled for almost 42 years.

Gunfire in Tripoli

Meanwhile, intermittent gunfire crackled in Tripoli on Sunday morning after four strong blasts were heard shortly after 4:00 am (0200 GMT) as NATO warplanes flew overhead.

The targets were not immediately identifiable but witnesses reported clashes in several districts between insurgents and Gaddafi supporters, namely in the eastern neighbourhoods of Soug Jomaa, Arada and Tajura.

Government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim admitted there were 'small clashes' that lasted 30 minutes but stressed the pro-regime volunteers and Kadhafi forces repelled insurgents who had 'infiltrated' the capital.

"The situation is under control," Ibrahim said on state television.

"I assure Libyans that Gaddafi is your leader ... Tripoli is surrounded by thousands to defend it," he added.

Fighting was still raging around Mitiga airbase in Tripoli's Tajourah district after midnight, an opposition activist told a Reuters journalist outside Libya. The gunbattles had left a number of rebels dead in the suburb of Qadah and elsewhere, he said.

This week's rebel advances on Tripoli have transformed the war by cutting the capital off from its main road link to the outside world and putting unprecedented pressure on Gaddafi.

Defections

The United States believes the Libyan strongman's days are numbered with President Barack Obama reportedly receiving regular updates from the region, a White House spokesperson said. Reports have also emerged of more defections from Gaddafi's ranks.

It has also been revealed that Libya's former prime minister Abdessalam Jalloud is in Italy.

The country's Defence Minister Ignazio La Russa has confirmed reports saying he had flown to Italy after defecting.

In a video statement aired earlier on Sunday on the Al-Jazeera news channel, Jalloud urged Gaddafi's tribe to disown the embattled 'tyrant' and also called on the population of Tripoli to rise up in rebellion.

"Disown this tyrant because he will go and you will end up inheriting his legacy," he said.