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		</div><p><a href="http://londonglossy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/libya-rebels-prepare-for-battle.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full" title="Pro-Gaddafi supporters gather on a highway in Surman, west of Zawiya (AP)" src="http://londonglossy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/min-libya-rebels-prepare-for-battle.jpg" alt="Pro-Gaddafi supporters gather on a highway in Surman, west of Zawiya (AP)"/></a></p>
<p>The rebel-held Libyan city closest to Tripoli is preparing for battle with government troops.</p>
<p>Tanks and anti-aircraft weapons were deployed in Zawiya ready for an expected attack by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.</p>
<p>The regime, eager to reinforce its view that Libya was calm and under its control, took visiting journalists to Zawiya, 30 miles west of the Tripoli on Sunday.</p>
<p>But the tour merely confirmed that rebels controlled the centre of the city of 200,000 people.</p>
<p>The charred hulks of cars littered the city, many buildings were pockmarked by bullets, and most streets were blocked by felled palm trees or metal barricades.</p>
<p>Police stations and government offices have been torched, and anti-Gaddafi graffiti &#8211; labelling him a &#8220;mass murderer&#8221; &#8211; was everywhere. In the main square, an effigy of the leader hung from a lamp post with the words &#8220;Execute Gaddafi&#8221; on its chest.</p>
<p>The mood was generally upbeat, although the anticipation of a renewed attempt to retake the city was causing some anxiety.</p>
<p>&#8220;We are all wanted,&#8221; said one man who did not want to give his name for fear of reprisals. &#8220;Zawiya in our hands is a direct threat to Tripoli.&#8221;</p>
<p>On Zawiya&#8217;s outskirts were pro-Gaddafi forces, also backed by tanks and anti-aircraft guns.</p>
<p>About 20 miles west of Zawiya, 3,000 pro-Gaddafi demonstrators gathered on the coastal road, chanting slogans in support of the Libyan leader.</p>
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