TRIPOLI, Libya, June 25 (UPI) -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's regime is running low on money and fuel, leaders of the rebels fighting for his downfall told The New York Times.
Since demonstrations calling for an end to Gadhafi's 42 years of autocratic rule began in March and escalated into full armed rebellion, rebels have worked at strangling the capital of Tripoli of oil and gas and accordingly, money, the report said.
Various rebels told the newspaper they had succeeded in severing oil and natural gas pipelines while at the same time were procuring more weapons and explosives.
There is evidence of the efforts in Tripoli, where there are long line-ups for gas and banks have placed an $800 limit on cash withdrawals per month, the report said.
Lawyer and rebel leader Anwar Fekini told the Times Gadhafi's strong-arm response to regime change was hurting his own citizens and was responsible for the energy and financial disruptions.
"It is very painful for the people of Tripoli, but unfortunately we need to do that," he said.
In late March, the U.N. Security Council authorized NATO to impose a no-fly zone and sea blockade of weaponry over and around Libya to prevent Gadhafi's military from attacking civilians in anti-rebel assaults.
