[online.wsj.com]

TRIPOLI—Rebel groups appear to have taken control of the area of Zawiya close to Tripoli, the Libyan capital, closing the circle on the regime of Moammar Gadhafi, a day after the United Nations Security Council unanimously imposed sanctions on the country.

The moves, which follow the government's violent efforts to stem rising protests, increase pressure on Mr. Gadhafi to resign. Despite the heavy-handed crackdown against demonstrators, opponents of the regime continue to hold key areas of the country, though the movements appear to be fragmented, with little central control.