Rebel Gains in Libya Encourage US Officials

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is expressing hope that Libyan rebels have broken the military stalemate with forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi.

Officials in Washington are stopping short of predicting victory but say they are encouraged by recent rebel advances near the capital of Tripoli and an apparent high-profile defection from Gadhafi's inner circle. White House press secretary Jay Carney says it's becoming clearer that Gadhafi's days are numbered. Neither Carney nor State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the rebels now have the upper hand.

But U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity say there is reason to think the rebels may now have enough momentum to wrest full control of the country. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the fast-moving developments.