SIRTE, Libya — Fighting intensified in former ruler Muammar Gaddafi's home town of Sirte Saturday as rebel forces from Misrata pushed forward from the East and South gaining little ground but taking heavy casualties.
Similar fighting also took place further south in the desert oasis of Bani Walid, another of Gaddafi's last bastions.
In Sirte, on Dubai Street close to the center of the city, several buildings smoldered as heavy fire was exchanged.
The thick smoke that filled the air was pierced by flying bullets. The sound was deafening as rocket propelled grenades and large artillery flew overhead.
More from GlobalPost: Rebels push into Sirte (Video)
Rebels on foot rushed into the main street to return fire with machine guns and RPG's as vehicles speed back and forth firing heavy weapons at snipers scattered across the inner city buildings.
"Right now it's difficult," said rebel fighter Najeep Aljero as the telltale wiz of close range bullets interrupted the conversation sending all fleeing for cover. Ducking behind a concrete fence he continued, "The fighters have no idea about the layout of the city. We are all from Misrata. No one knows the routes or buildings."
Fighting alongside Najeep, his uncle Mamoud Aljero agreed.
"Since 10 years I haven't been to this city," he said. "We have no business here. We only came for one reason — to out Gaddafi!"
