Battle Looms As Gaddafi Vows Guerrilla War

12:55pm UK, Friday September 02, 2011

Anti-Gaddafi troops have said they plan to attack Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's home town of Sirte this weekend, as the former dictator called on his supporters to prepare for a long guerrilla war.

A ceasefire in Libya has been observed for the past week while negotiations for a peaceful handover of Sirte take place.
The deadline for the town to surrender expires tomorrow.
Although there are claims that negotiations could be extended, anti-Gaddafi soldiers say they are still intent on resuming fighting.
Sky's security editor Sam Kiley, with anti-Gaddafi forces on the outskirts of Sirte, said: "I have spoken to the leader of the National Transitional Council (NTC) special forces and the frontline commander here who has been directly involved in the negotiations.
"He says there is an ultimatum which stands until Saturday, and if the negotiations go well, it is conceivable the deadline can be extended."
Anti-Gaddafi troops outside Sirte
Troops test fire on the outskirts of Sirte
Anti-Gaddafi forces on the outskirts of the town are preparing weapons and even digging battlefield graves.
One told Kiley: "We have definitely got the strength and power for the army to move forwards and get into Sirte and we've also got the passion to move us forward because we're fighting for a reason here."
People in villages standing on the route to Sirte have been seeking assurances from the NTC that troops will not pillage their homes and assault women and children.
Kiley said: "Essentially, there is a split evolving between the local communities there and the Gaddafi hardliners."
While talks may see Sirte handed over, the ousted dictator is remaining defiant, describing the town as "the capital of the resistance".
In two messages broadcast on Syrian Arrai news channel, which coincided with the 42nd anniversary of the coup which brought him to power, he warned his troops would keep fighting.

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In one audio message, Col Gaddafi said: "We won't surrender again - we are not women. We will keep fighting.
"The battle will be long and let Libya burn.
"Get ready to fight the occupation... Get ready for a long war, imposed on us," Col Gaddafi continued. "Get ready for the guerrilla war."
Anti-Gaddafi fighters are also poised to advance on the town of Sabha, which is mostly under the control of forces loyal to the deposed leader.
Sabha and Bani Walid have been subject to the same deadline to surrender as Sirte.
The three towns are believed to be places Col Gaddafi may have turned to after fleeing Tripoli.
Meanwhile, world leaders meeting in Paris have agreed to keep up Nato attacks in support of anti-Gaddafi forces.
NTC chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil has said the process of planning a road map for bringing democracy to Libya was now under way and the leadership would complete their move to Tripoli within a few days.
He promised a new constitution and parliamentary and presidential elections in 18 around months' time.
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