Libyan NTC forces face heavy resistance in Sirte

With Nato warplanes circling overhead, revolutionary fighters battled block by block on Saturday as snipers rained fire from rooftops in fierce street fighting in Muammar Gaddafi's hometown the most important remaining bastion of support for the fugitive leader.

With Nato warplanes circling overhead, revolutionary fighters battled block by block on Saturday as snipers rained fire from rooftops in fierce street fighting in Muammar Gaddafi's hometown the most important remaining bastion of support for the fugitive leader.

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The battle for Sirte is crucial because Libya's new leaders have promised to declare liberation after it is captured even though fighting continues elsewhere and Gaddafi remains on the run. That will allow them to move forward with setting a timeline for elections and establishing normalcy in the oil-rich North African nation.

Revolutionary forces launched a major attack on Friday after a three week siege from the outskirts in which they said they were giving civilians time to flee.