Libyan Forces Battle for Sirte
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October 7, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
NCT forces have launched and “organised attack” on Sirte. Three quarters of the city are in our hands, says commander.
Clouds of smoke surround the Libyan city of Site today as loyalists of the transitional government attack the last major stronghold of Col Muammar Gaddafi.
Reports confirm that Benghazi forces are now 1km from the city centre after moving hundreds of vehicles in from the east and the west.
The attack, which began earlier this week, has been described as the biggest and most advanced assault in recent days.
“This is a much larger and more organised attack than we have seen up to now,” said BBC reporter Jonathan Head. Commanders are “on the ground directing their men towards specific targets.
“They are confident Sirte will fall soon but the tenacious resistance suggest it could still take days.”
On Thursday, a military commander from the National Transitional Council (NTC) said three quarters of the city were under control.
“God willing, in two days maximum all of Sirte will be clean,” he said.
Continual tank and mortar fire have forced many civilians to flee the city, as buildings have been struck and set alight. For those left behind, dwindling water supplies and poor medical care are becoming a huge problem.
The Red Cross continues to deliver aid to people in and around the city. However, continual gunfire is making their task too difficult and extremely dangerous.
“We barely manage to drive in,” said Dibeh Fakr of the Red Cross. “We deliver the items and get out, because the security situation is so bad and we can be targeted and may be caught in the shooting.”
In addition, Sirte has no electricity or petrol supplies.
This week’s assault came hours after Col Gaddafi urged supporters to resist interim leaders.
“I say to them, do not fear anyone. You are the people, you belong to this land,” he said through an audio message broadcast.
Pro-Gaddafi fighters have remained in the city, upholding a strong residence from the Ouagadoudou conference centre. They have built artillery barrages and continue to fire at interim forces.
The whereabouts of Col Gaddafi are still unknown; however, his family and military leaders are believed to be residing in neighbouring countries.
By Catherine Rees
[Image courtesy of angel_kulikov]
