As Libyan rebels push north, dozens flee Tripoli

[August 13, 2011]  WADI EL-HAI, Libya (AP) -- Scores of Libyan families are taking advantage of a rebel advance toward coastal towns to flee Tripoli into the opposition-held western mountains.

The families are fleeing through desert back roads that appeared to be less guarded amid the fighting between rebels and Moammar Gadhafi's forces. The rebels say they registered 55 families that fled Tripoli in the past three days for the Nafusa mountains.

Sassi Ahmed says he left the capital with his wife and six children early Saturday. The 47-year-old teacher says they left because the situation in Tripoli is "frightening," with no gas or electricity.

Rebel commander Fathi el-Ayeb says his fighters are 10 miles (15 kilometers) from Gadhafi-held Zawiya, a key target in their push to Tripoli.

[Associated Press; By KARIN LAUB]

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