Noose tightens around Gaddafi strongholds

2011-09-11 49

Pro-interim government fighters in Libya prepare for what they hope is the final push against Muammar Gaddafi.
The men are mounting an assault on Bani Walid - one of a handful of towns still loyal to the ousted Libyan leader.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) WAGDI AL-ASSADI, ANTI-GADDAFI FIGHTER, SAYING:
"The situation is good. We are winning, God's willing. We are winning. We are able to advance more than in the past few days. We are ready in terms of people, in terms of ammunition."
Anti-Gaddafi fighters are now pouring into Bani Walid, many in convoys like this one.
The offensive comes after local leaders refused pleas from Libya's interim government to surrender.
On Friday, there were reports of street fighting in Bani Walid and Gaddafi's hometown, Sirte.
Along with the desert outpost of Sabha, they are among the last few pockets of pro-Gaddafi resistance.
Andrew Raven, Reuters