01/10/2011 16:08
Libyans flee fierce fighting in Sirte
Residents continue to flee Muammar Gaddaffi’s hometown of Sirte as forces from the interim Libyan government pound the coastal city, Euronews reported.
Several residents told the Reuters news agency that they haven’t eaten for days because food supplies were scarce.
Some said they had paid up to 600 euros for petrol to leave the city as it was in such short supply.
The city has come under heavy bombardment in recent days but NTC forces have also faced stiff resistance.
In the fiercest battles for days, pro-government fighters used anti-tank guns, rocket-launchers and machine guns.
Gaddafi loyalists hit back with mortar, machine-gun and sniper fire.
Doctors at a nearby field hospital reported seeing the first cases of malnutrition among local residents.