BANI WALID/SIRTE, Libya, Sept 18 (Reuters) – Libyan interim government forces fled in chaos on Sunday from Bani Walid and pulled back from Sirte after yet more failed attempts to storm Muammar Gaddafi’s final bastions and take control of the entire country.
Sunday’s failed attempt appeared to be among the worst yet, setting off angry recriminations among the attackers who must capture Bani Walid and Gaddafi’s birthplace Sirte before they can declare Libya “liberated”.
Since taking Tripoli last month, National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters have tried several times to storm Bani Walid, 150 km (95 miles) southeast of the capital Tripoli, only to retreat under heavy fire and in disorder. More from Reuters