Tripoli, Libya - Fierce fighting is taking place in Sirte and Beni Walid Friday, after revolutionary fighters of the National Transitional Council (NTC) stormed the two strongholds of Mouammar Kadhafi, who has virtually been toppled as the country's leader. The NTC fighters have entered both cities, located 450km and 170km South-west of Libya's capital Tripoli respectively.

Revolutionary fighters in Misuratha, 200km east of Tripoli, launched attacks on three fronts - east, west and the coastal area - against the city of Sirte, Kadhafi’s hometown.

After failing to enter the city Thursday, as snipers positioned on rooftops fired on them incessantly, the fighters tried again Friday and succeeded, according to a source at the Military Council of the City of Misuratha.

The fighters are now battling Kadhafi loyalists, who are firing mortar shells and missiles at the invaders.

Military sources said casualty is high on both sides, and that several pro-Kadhafi fighters have been taken prisoner.

According to observers, controlling Sirte is considered to be of strategic importance because it is the birthplace of the former Libyan leader, and also meant access to about 2000 kms of coastline.

Pana 16/09/2011