WAR IN LIBYA:Libyan rebels enter Bani Walid + Related News

Laaska News  Sept. 16,2011
NTC forces launch strikes on Qadhafi strongholds
Libyan rebels’ troops bitterly resisted in Sirte
Libya NTC forces enter Sirte, Bani Walid
Libyan rebels exerting themselves to take Sirte by storm

 Photo: EPA

   

Libyan rebels enter Bani Walid

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Libyan rebels have streamed into Bani Walid, one of few remaining strongholds of Muammar Gaddafi and his supporters who rejected reconciliation, Reuters reports Thursday.

According to the news agency, with the help of armed vehicles the fighters have captured a valley leading to the centre of Bani Walid.

Reportedly, Gaddfi may also hide in Bani Walid.

At the same time rebels are continuing offense on Gaddafi’s native town Sirt. Reportedly one of Gaddafi’s sons – Seif Al Islam is heading the defense of the city.

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 Libyan rebels exerting themselves to take Sirte by storm

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The Libyan rebel troops are trying to take Muammar Gaddafi’s hometown Sirte by storm. The rebels’ leading body, the Transitional National Council, has said that the rebels have managed to breach the defences and enter the city from the south and the west.

Prior to the attack, Sirte was brought under heavy artillery fire. According to the Al-Jazeera TV channel, the defenders are putting up stiff resistance. Numerous casualties have been reported on both sides.

An intense battle is on for Bani Walid, – another city that remained loyal to Muammar Gaddafi. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Gaddafi has said that the Colonel is setting up militia. Gaddafi’s whereabouts remain unknown. 

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Libyan rebels’ troops bitterly resisted in Sirte.

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A Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) fighter. Photo: AFP 

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In Libya, the troops of the Transitional National Council have met with tough resistance during their attack on Muammar Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte, according to a Council official.

The rebels forced their way into the town under dense fire, with Gaddafi sharpshooters posing the greatest problem. The troops that are still loyal to Colonel Gaddafi remain in control of two cities, – Ban Walid and Sabha.

There’s been no news about the Jamahiriya leader since he disappeared from Tripoli several weeks ago.
VOR.

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NTC forces launch strikes on Qadhafi strongholds

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Troops from Libya’s National Transitional Council have encountered fierce resistance as they launch full-blown attacks on deposed leader Muammar al-Qadhafi’s remaining strongholds.

Moves to establish a new government are accelerating following the collapse of the Qadhafi regime. On Thursday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron visited Libya’s capital, Tripoli, and pledged support for the National Transitional Council, or NTC.

A spokesperson for the Council said about 5,000 NTC troops mounted strikes from the west and south of Qadhafi’s hometown of Sirte in the center of the country on Thursday.

But heavy resistance from Qadhafi’s elite fighters forced the NTC to increase the number of troops on Friday morning. They have since stepped up their attacks while advancing toward the heart of the city.

The spokesperson added that the NTC forces have met strong resistance from Qadhafi loyalists while launching attacks on Bani Walid, 150 kilometers southeast of Tripoli, on Friday. Some reports say Qadhafi may be hiding there.

In a bid to reduce the number of civilian casualties in those cities, the NTC has been calling on Qadhafi backers to surrender. However, the loyalists refused to give in, causing the fighting to intensify.
NHK.

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Libya NTC forces enter Sirte, Bani Walid

 

TRIPOLI, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — Libyan fighters said Friday they had entered Sirte and Bani Walid, two of the last strongholds of toppled leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Forces loyal to Libya’s ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) captured the airport in Sirte, Gaddafi’s hometown, after fierce attacks, the pan-Arab al-Jazeera reported Friday, citing NTC fighters.

The NTC forces also poured into the desert town of Bani Walid, about 180 km south of the capital Tripoli, after two weeks of siege, and vowed to take control of it in the evening. Gunfire and explosions were heard near the town.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Tripoli on Friday morning to show support for Libyan people’s struggle to end Gaddafi’s 42-year-rule.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who visited Tripoli and Benghazi a day earlier, confirmed that NATO will keep on its mission “until the civilians are protected and the work completed.”

Cameron and Sarkozy, who spearheaded the NATO mission in Libya, vowed that their countries will help the Libyans hunt down Gaddafi whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Xinhua.

 
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