Libyan fighters shell Sirte ahead of fresh assault

[October 08, 2011]  SIRTE, Libya (AP) -- Revolutionary fighters are shelling Moammar Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte ahead of a renewed push on the city, one of the last bastions of support for the fugitive leader.

Anti-Gadhafi forces have pushed to within less than half a mile (kilometer) from loyalist fighters dug in around the Ouagadougou conference center and Green Square in the heart of the city.

Sirte is the last major city to remain in loyalist hands following the collapse of Gadhafi's 42-year rule in August.

Revolutionary forces are pushing into the Mediterranean coastal city from the west, east and south in heavy fighting, trying to squeeze Gadhafi loyalists into a smaller and smaller perimeter.

Residents who have fled Sirte say there is no electricity, water or food.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.