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    October 14, 2011

Libyan Forces Regroup in Final Push for Gadhafi Hometown

   VOA News
   A revolutionary fighter takes cover from Gadhafi loyalist sniper fire
   in Sirte, Libya, October 13, 2011.
   Photo: AP
   A revolutionary fighter takes cover from Gadhafi loyalist sniper fire
   in Sirte, Libya, October 13, 2011.

   Libya's provisional government fighters are regrouping in final attempt
   to gain control of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi hometown of
   Sirte.
   The National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters say pro-Gadhafi's
   forces are cornered in an area of about two square kilometers.
   Doctors at a field hospital say at least two NTC fighters were killed
   and at least 23 wounded in the fighting Thursday.
   NTC fighters said they had to retreat in part of the town on Thursday
   after coming under heavy artillery fire.
   Revolutionary forces have made significant recent advances in Sirte,
   seizing the town's police headquarters on Tuesday. Days earlier, the
   fighters gained control of the main hospital, the university and the
   convention center that Gadhafi loyalists had used as their main base of
   operation.
   NTC officials have said the capture of Sirte will allow them to declare
   the country liberated, because it will mean the provisional government
   controls all of Libya's ports and harbors.
   Sirte is 360 kilometers east of Libya's capital, Tripoli, and has
   served as a center of support for Mr. Gadhafi. Provisional government
   forces have been trying to take the town for three weeks.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

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