Libyan Rebel Forces Suffer Setback in Gaddafi's Stronghold

NTC fighters have temporarily retreated from Sirte, the hometown of fugitive Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Troupes of Libya's Transitional National Council, NTC, have been forced to retreat from Sirte, hometown of ousted dictator, Muammar Gaddafi.

According to latest reports, NTC has control of the airport and the military base in Sirte, but the town is still in the hands of those loyal to Gaddafi.

Twenty four NTC soldiers have been killed as of Sunday morning while another 40, including a French cameraman, have sustained injuries.

One of the leaders of the NTC forces is quoted by the Bulgarian National Radio, BNR, saying his troupes are withdrawing from a key junction in the town with plans to regroup and attack again all while Gaddafi loyalists are pounding them with heavy artillery.

Others from NTC, however, have said that they lost their advantage with the retreat, giving Gaddafi's forces a chance to rearm.

Meanwhile, the military spokesperson of NTC, is cited reporting that the rebel units have received reinforcement from Tripoli and are preparing for a new attack under a new tactical plan.

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