Battle for Sirte nearing end

Although they have made similar claims before, Libyan fighters seeking to capture the coastal town of Sirte, say they are on the verge of victory.

SIRTE, LIBYA (Catholic Online) - The National Transitional Council (NTC) has suffered heavy casualties in their assault against Qaddafi's hometown. Their inability to take the city, perhaps the most important remaining stronghold for Qaddafi's supporters, has been a source of continual embarrassment for the new government.

Still, it can be verified that NTC soldiers have made significant progress in Sirte.

Sirte is one of the very few places that remain loyal to ousted dictator, Moammar Gadhafi. Inland, the town of Bani Walid is also held by Gadhafi's supporters, and days of fierce fighting have not resulted in victory.

Still, NTC leaders remain optimistic, and say that it is only a matter of time before their victory is complete. This is probably true. Libya's acting president, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, said on Sunday that he believed both places would be liberated within the next week. He explained that troops were advancing on Bani Walid from five sides while troops in Sirte have already fought their way into the city center and are now cleaning up pockets of resistance.

Qaddafi loyalists have had a long time to fortify and prepare Sirte. For three weeks after the fall of Tripoli it was very clear that Sirte would be the final objective of the revolutionary forces. During that time, Qaddafi loyalists fortified the city and occupied strategic positions throughout. Revolutionary fighters, have faced exceptionally tough resistance.

Revolutionary fighters have had to contend with roadblocks, snipers, and even rocket and artillery attacks. They now say that Qaddafi loyalists hold a defensive perimeter that consists only of a palace complex, some residential buildings, and a hotel near the city center.

Meanwhile, residents of the besieged city are beginning to get some relief. The Red Cross, and other aid agencies have been working bravely to supply humanitarian aid to the people of Sirte. Food, water, and gasoline for generators have been nearly impossible to find. It is unknown how many people have died because of a lack of humanitarian supplies. Hopefully, as promised, the fighting is truly at an end, and some peace and stability will soon be realized.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'