Middle East: Libyan troops 'clash with pro-Gaddafi forces'

Libyan government troops are clashing with supporters of ousted leader Col Muammar Gaddafi in one of his last strongholds, Sirte, reports say.

Black smoke was seen rising from the coastal city after National Transitional Council (NTC) soldiers reportedly entered from the west.

A BBC correspondent says NTC forces have also moved from the east towards Sirte, Col Gaddafi's birthplace.

It is not known if the colonel or his family members are in the city. Sirte, one of two remaining bastions of support for Col Gaddafi, has fiercely resisted attempts by NTC forces to capture it over recent weeks.

Pro-Gaddafi fighters have occupied a roundabout about 1km (half a mile) west of the city centre, reports say.

An NTC fighter inside the town, El-Tohamy Abuzein, told Reuters news agency that pro-Gaddafi snipers were firing from mosques and other buildings. "They're using the houses and public buildings," he said.

Medical sources told AFP news agency that two soldiers of the interim government had been killed.

The NTC says the eastern gate to the city has been secured and that its forces have advanced about 10km (6 miles) beyond that. If confirmed, this would mark the furthest they have managed to go on that side.

The BBC's Alastair Leithead, who is with NTC forces further to the east, says they have made rapid progress over the past 12 hours and are exchanging rocket-fire with Gaddafi loyalists defending the city.

Government fighters tried to push into Sirte last weekend but were driven back by pro-Gaddafi forces entrenched in the city. The NTC is also facing strong resistance in the only other remaining Gaddafi stronghold, Bani Walid to the south-east of Tripoli.

Col Gaddafi left the capital when it fell to NTC forces in August after a six-month uprising.

The whereabouts of the former leader - who ruled Libya for 42 years - are unknown.
Many of his relatives and aides have fled to neighbouring Algeria and Niger.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) stated:

“After me you will see injustice, rights suppressed and others given preference over you. You will see matters that you will disapprove of”. When asked what the commandment was in such circumstances, the Prophet (on whom be peace) replied, “pay their (leaders) rights to them and ask God for your rights.”


The Ahmadiyya Post, Middle East. By Zubair Ahmed. Sept 24, 2011