Sirte shelled before fresh assault

Revolutionary fighters are shelling Muammar Gaddafi’s home town of Sirte ahead of a renewed push on the city, one of the last bastions of support for the fugitive leader.

Anti-Gaddafi forces have pushed to within less than half a mile from loyalist fighters dug in around the Ouagadougou conference centre and Green Square in the heart of the city.

Sirte is the last major city to remain in loyalist hands following the collapse of Gaddafi’s 42-year rule in August.

Revolutionary forces are pushing into the Mediterranean coastal city from the west, east and south in heavy fighting, trying to squeeze Gaddafi loyalists into a smaller and smaller perimeter.

Residents who have fled Sirte say there is no electricity, water or food.