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Libyan troops 'clash with pro-Gaddafi forces' in Sirte Libyan troops 'clash with pro-Gaddafi forces' in Sirte
(40 minutes later)
Libyan government troops are clashing with supporters of ousted leader Col Muammar Gaddafi in one of his last strongholds, Sirte, reports say.Libyan government troops are clashing with supporters of ousted leader Col Muammar Gaddafi in one of his last strongholds, Sirte, reports say.
Black smoke was seen rising from the coastal city after National Transitional Council (NTC) soldiers reportedly entered from the west.Black smoke was seen rising from the coastal city after National Transitional Council (NTC) soldiers reportedly entered from the west.
A BBC correspondent says NTC forces have also moved from the east towards Sirte, Col Gaddafi's birthplace.A BBC correspondent says NTC forces have also moved from the east towards Sirte, Col Gaddafi's birthplace.
It is not known if the colonel or his family members are in the city.It is not known if the colonel or his family members are in the city.
Sirte, one of two remaining bastions of support for Col Gaddafi, has fiercely resisted attempts by NTC forces to capture it over recent weeks.Sirte, one of two remaining bastions of support for Col Gaddafi, has fiercely resisted attempts by NTC forces to capture it over recent weeks.
Pro-Gaddafi fighters have occupied a roundabout about 1km (half a mile) west of the city centre, reports say.Pro-Gaddafi fighters have occupied a roundabout about 1km (half a mile) west of the city centre, reports say.
An NTC fighter inside the town, El-Tohamy Abuzein, told Reuters news agency that pro-Gaddafi snipers were firing from mosques and other buildings. "They're using the houses and public buildings," he said.An NTC fighter inside the town, El-Tohamy Abuzein, told Reuters news agency that pro-Gaddafi snipers were firing from mosques and other buildings. "They're using the houses and public buildings," he said.
Rocket-fire
Medical sources told AFP news agency that two soldiers of the interim government had been killed.Medical sources told AFP news agency that two soldiers of the interim government had been killed.
Tripoli blasts
The NTC says the eastern gate to the city has been secured and that its forces have advanced about 10km (6 miles) beyond that. If confirmed, this would mark the furthest they have managed to go on that side.The NTC says the eastern gate to the city has been secured and that its forces have advanced about 10km (6 miles) beyond that. If confirmed, this would mark the furthest they have managed to go on that side.
The BBC's Alastair Leithead, who is with NTC forces further to the east, says they have made rapid progress over the past 12 hours and are exchanging rocket-fire with Gaddafi loyalists defending the city.The BBC's Alastair Leithead, who is with NTC forces further to the east, says they have made rapid progress over the past 12 hours and are exchanging rocket-fire with Gaddafi loyalists defending the city.
Government fighters tried to push into Sirte last weekend but were driven back by pro-Gaddafi forces entrenched in the city Government fighters tried to push into Sirte last weekend but were driven back by pro-Gaddafi forces entrenched in the city.
Nato aircraft hit targets in the Sirte area on Saturday, as part of its UN-mandated mission to protect civilians. Nato air strikes have played a major role in the conflict.
The NTC is also facing strong resistance in the only other remaining Gaddafi stronghold, Bani Walid to the south-east of Tripoli.The NTC is also facing strong resistance in the only other remaining Gaddafi stronghold, Bani Walid to the south-east of Tripoli.
Col Gaddafi left the capital when it fell to NTC forces in August after a six-month uprising. In the capital itself, explosions were heard on Saturday afternoon. Plumes of smokes were seen rising from the harbour area. The cause was not immediately known.
The whereabouts of the former leader - who ruled Libya for 42 years - are unknown. Also on Saturday, NTC chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil said a new interim government would be announced within a week.
Many of his relatives and aides have taken refuge in neighbouring Algeria and Niger. Col Gaddafi went into hiding after Tripoli fell to NTC forces in August, six months into the uprising.
The whereabouts of the former leader - who ruled Libya for 42 years - are unknown. Many of his relatives and aides have taken refuge in neighbouring Algeria and Niger.
Meanwhile a report on the NTC's Qatar-based Libya TV criticised the Algerian authorities over an audio message broadcast by Col Gaddafi's daughter Aisha - who has fled to Algeria - which criticised the new Libyan government.Meanwhile a report on the NTC's Qatar-based Libya TV criticised the Algerian authorities over an audio message broadcast by Col Gaddafi's daughter Aisha - who has fled to Algeria - which criticised the new Libyan government.
The message was broadcast on Friday by a pro-Gaddafi TV channel in Syria.The message was broadcast on Friday by a pro-Gaddafi TV channel in Syria.
Libya TV said Aisha Gaddafi should not be allowed to make political statements. She was granted entry in Algeria for humanitarian reasons.Libya TV said Aisha Gaddafi should not be allowed to make political statements. She was granted entry in Algeria for humanitarian reasons.