The Popular Uprising in Libya is on the ropes. Forces loyal to Col. Mumar Qaddafi have entered the strategic city of Ajdabiya.

AJDABIYAH, Libya (Reuters) – Muammar Gaddafi’s artillery heavily bombarded Ajdabiyah and his forces forced their way inside on Sunday in their most determined assault on the strategic eastern town for at least a week.

Rebels cowered in alleyways from sustained artillery, rocket and small-arms fire and appeared to be losing control of the town, which is gateway to their stronghold of Benghazi 150 km (90 miles) up the Mediterranean coast to the north.

Ajdabiyah had been the launch point for insurgents during a week-long fight for the oil port of Brega further west and its fall would be a serious loss.

If the city falls, this will be a huge blow to the AL-Qaeda linked rebels. It will also be a setback for the Global progressive-Islamic Axis.