Libyan rebels fall back in battle for Gaddafi towns

LIBYAN interim government forces bent on seizing Muammar Gaddafi’s remaining strongholds fell back after another chaotic attack on the desert town of Bani Walid yesterday, but renewed their battle for the deposed leader’s birthplace of Sirte.

Motley forces of the ruling National Transitional Council have met stiff resistance in Gaddafi’s last bastions, which they must capture before the NTC can declare Libya “liberated” and begin work on a constitution before elections.

Since Tripoli fell to rebels on August 23, rumours have swirled about whether Gaddafi is in Bani Walid, Sirte, the southern desert town of Sabha, or elsewhere. His fugitive spokesman told Reuters on Saturday the ousted leader was still in Libya, directing resistance.