Reply #106: Libya conflict: UK forces attack Gaddafi's last strongholds [View All]

[tabatha]

Rebel forces had demanded that Sirte surrender by Saturday but have granted a week's extension for further negotiations with tribal leaders and Gaddafi loyalists.

National Transitional Council council spokesman Abdel-Hafiz Ghoga said its fighters had not stopped advancing towards Gaddafi's hometown. Their brigades have pushed to the town of Wadi Hawarah, 30 miles from Sirte.

"The rebels at the frontline are very eager to move without delay," he told the Associated Press. "They live in harsh conditions there in the middle of the desert, and in hot weather. Maybe tomorrow, or the day after, the people of Sirte will raise the independence flag and we can enter peacefully without fighting."

The rebels would prefer a surrender to fighting, he added. "One week is not a big deal."

Another rebel commander said the forces inside Sirte were divided, with one camp led by Gaddafi's son Muatassim and the other by tribal elders. "It was the tribal leaders of Sirte who asked for an extension until they could manage to resolve the situation peacefully," Fadl-Allah Haroun told AP. "The Gaddafi people will have to flee in the end to Niger or anywhere else because there is no other option."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/02/libya-attack-gaddafi-strongholds

SEBHA HAS SURRENDERED
17 Feb. FFs Sebha. Beakin news via Free Libya Channel:
through direct call we were assured that the city (Sebha) is under the full control of FFs. There are G.Brig. there. The army in Sebha joined the revolution and issued a declaration.All areas in the South has liberated now and raise the Falg of independence. El-Waig passage is under FFs control, but Ghat passage is still controlled by G.Brigs. Negotiation are underway with the Gadadifa. They were given an ultimatum with 3 joices: join the Revolution, surrender, stay at home are a fight to their end!!