Rebel push

THOUSANDS of rebel fighters have massed west of Muammar Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte, preparing for what could be the last major battle for control of Libya’s coast.

After streaming into Tripoli and rampaging through Gaddafi’s compound in the capital last week, rebels seeking to bring a definitive end to Gaddafi’s 42-year rule see Sirte as the last of his strongholds along the heavily populated coast.

After Sirte, rebels say they will turn their attention to Libya’s southern desert town of Sabha.