TNC Forces Continue Assault on Gadhafi Strongholds

TNC Forces renewed their assaults against the remaining Gadafhi strongholds of Sirta, Bani Walid and Sabha. Residents are reported to be trapped in Sirte with little food, water, or medical care, while thousands have fled. Fierce fighting for the control of Bani Walid continued after Pro-Gadhafi forces launched a counter-attack which repelled the TNC.  TNC forces say that the son of Muammar Gadhafi, Seif al’Islam was present in Bani Walid and a TNC official stated that the battle for the town was a “done deal and will be completed in the next two days.”  TNC forces also made gains against the Gadhafi stronghold of Sabha where forces captured the airport, an old fort and have “control all of the vital points in Sabha.”

Meanwhile, militias gathered weapons across Libya, a development that concerns many outside actors because many of these militias do not recognize the authority of the new government.