REBELS CLAIM TRIPOLI

AMID celebratory gunfire and jubilant singing and chanting, Libyan rebels claimed victory against the north African nation’s long-time oppressor Muammar Gaddafi in the leader’s stronghold of Tripoli.

Historic scenes of the people’s ecstasy were beamed across the world after the rebels captured a major military base that defended the regime — coming across virtually no resistance.

It was a surprisingly speedy advance on the capital, and the lack of a powerful response from government forces, combined with civilians lining the streets, waving rebel flags, con-tradicted what Gaddafi’s propaganda machine had led the world to believe.