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'{{Infobox military conflict |conflict= Battle of Sirte (2011) |partof= the [[Second Gulf of Sidra offensive]] of the [[2011 Libyan civil war]] |image= [[File:2011_Battle_of_Sirte.svg|300px]] |caption= Situation in Sirte on October 15, 2011 |date= 15 September 2011 – ''Ongoing'' |place=[[Sirte]], [[Libya]] |result= Ongoing *Pro-Gaddafi forces repel three rebel attacks on the city in September<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/28/us-libya-sirte-idUSTRE78R2IA20110928 Gaddafi hometown a hazardous prize for Libya's NTC]</ref><ref>[http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Gadhafi+diehards+force+Sirte+retreat+fighters/5475101/story.html Gadhafi diehards force Sirte retreat by NTC fighters]</ref> *Anti-Gaddafi forces capture the airport and Gaddafi's hometown south of Sirte in early October *Anti-Gaddafi forces capture most of Sirte in mid-October |combatant1= '''{{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[National Transitional Council]]''' *[[National Liberation Army (Libya)|National Liberation Army]] '''{{flagicon|NATO}} [[2011 military intervention in Libya|NATO command]]'''<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/25/nato-to-enforce-no-fly-zone-over-libya.html| title=Nato takes control of enforcing Libya no-fly zone| accessdate=26 March 2011 | date=25 March 2011}}</ref> |combatant2= '''{{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Politics of Libya#Members of the Gaddafi regime|Gaddafi Loyalists]]''' * [[Libyan Army]] * [[Military of Libya#Paramilitary forces|Paramilitary forces]] |commander1={{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[Hamid Hassy]]<br>{{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[Mustafa Bendardaf]]{{KIA|alt=yes}}<ref name="timesofmalta.com">http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110906/world/libyan-troops-advance-on-sirte-in-heavy-fighting.383601</ref><ref name="ahram_online">{{cite news|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/24501/World/Region/Street-fighting-rocks-Sirte-as-Clinton-visits-Trip.aspx|agency=Ahram Online|title=Street fighting rocks Sirte as Clinton visits Tripoli|date=18 October 2011|accessdate=18 October 2011}}</ref><br>{{flagicon|Libya|1951}} [[Touhami Zayani]]<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-sep-27-2011-1615 Libya live Blog]</ref> |commander2={{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Al-Mu'tasim-Billah al-Gaddafi]]<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/09/16/libya.war/index.html?hpt=wo_c1 After a day of intense fighting, anti-Gadhafi forces pull back]</ref><br>{{flagicon|Libya|1977}} [[Abdel Rahman Abdel Hamid]]{{pow}}<ref>http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/2011/10/09/gaddafi-nephew-arrested-in-sirte</ref> |strength1= 16,000 fighters<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/forces-attack-gaddafi-stronghold-sirte-as-end-of-civil-war-approaches-2368138.html Forces attack Gaddafi stronghold Sirte as end of civil war approaches]</ref><br />163<ref name="independent.co.uk">[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/gaddafis-wife-and-children-flee-to-algeria-2345851.html Gaddafi's wife and children flee to Algeria]</ref>-900<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8766599/Libya-rebels-enter-gates-of-Sirte.html|Agency=Telegraph|date=15 September 2011|accessdate=15 September 2011|title=Libya: rebels 'enter gates of Sirte'}}</ref> [[Technical (vehicle)|technicals]]<br>few dozen tanks |strength2= 1,000<ref name="independent.co.uk"/>-5,000<ref>[http://www.wfmz.com/news/McCain-arrives-in-Libya-as-rival-forces-battle-for-control/-/121458/1752968/-/o01jrv/-/ McCain arrives in Libya as rival forces battle for control]</ref> fighters (NTC claim) |casualties1= 258 killed,<ref>11 killed (15 September),[http://www.ktre.com/story/15477407/turkish-pm-erdogan-arrives-in-libyan-capital] 13 killed (16 September),[http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/16/3915921/libyan-troops-battle-gadhafi-loyalists.html] 24 killed (17 September),[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14963973] 2 killed (18 September),[http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=79070] 4 killed (20 September),[http://gaytoday.com/index.php/2011/09/20/libyan-forces-hold-off-on-storming-gaddafi-bastions/] 70 killed (21 September-6 October),[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/10/06/libya-red-cross-delivers-aid-to-qaddafi-hometown/] 120 killed (7-15 October),[http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/10/16/libya-sirte-massacred-bodies.html] 14 killed (18 October),[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2011/Oct-19/151657-clinton-in-tripoli-urges-libyas-unsteady-new-rulers-to-unite.ashx#axzz1bC2Nj2G8] total of 258 reported killed</ref><br>1,954 wounded<ref>461 wounded (15-28 September; western front)[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/28/us-libya-sirte-idUSTRE78R2IA20110928] 36 wounded (25-26 September; eastern front),[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/antigaddafi-fighters-capture-sirtes-port-20110928-1kvrv.html] 100 wounded (27-28 September; eastern front),[http://www.sharenet.co.za/news/Libyas_NTC_thinks_Gaddafi_hiding_near_Algeria/a7de29d4b95faec6fbf371d79396e2e7] 18 wounded (29 September),[http://gulfnews.com/news/region/libya/gaddafi-diehards-force-sirte-retreat-by-ntc-fighters-1.881490] 11 wounded (30 September),[http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/afp/snipers-halt-ntc-fight-for-kadhafi-hometown/468894] 133 wounded (1-6 October),[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/12/libya-sirte-falling-government-forces?newsfeed=true] 1,100 wounded (7-15 October),[http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/10/16/libya-sirte-massacred-bodies.html] 95 wounded (18 October), [http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/24501/World/Region/Street-fighting-rocks-Sirte-as-Clinton-visits-Trip.aspx] total of 1,954 reported wounded</ref> |casualties2= Unknown number of killed,<br>200 wounded,<ref>[http://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/news-release/2011/lybia-news-2011-01-10.htm Libya: ICRC supplies Sirte hospital with urgently needed medical assistance]</ref><ref>[http://www.ewn.co.za/Story.aspx?id=75142 Humanitarian fears grow in Sirte]</ref><br>150+ captured<ref>60 captured (28 September),[http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre7810i8-us-libya/] 50 captured (9 October),[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15232870] 24 captured (11 October),[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/world/africa/qaddafi-forces-give-ground-in-surt.html] 15 captured (13 October),[http://www.geo.tv/10-13-2011/87573.htm] total of 150+ reported captured</ref> |casualties3= 800 civilians killed (NTC claim)<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8739349/Libya-Over-800-killed-in-battle-for-Gaddafis-home-town-of-Sirte.html</ref><br>2,151 civilians killed (Loyalist claim)<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/gadhafi-aide-nato-airstrike-hits-residential-area-kills-354-civilians-1.384999 Gadhafi aide: NATO airstrike hits residential area, kills 354 civilians]</ref><ref>[http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0922/libya.html Gaddafi aide claims NATO strikes killed 151]</ref> |notes= }} {{Campaignbox 2011 Libyan uprising}} The '''Battle of Sirte''' is a battle of the [[2011 Libyan civil war]] that began when the [[National Liberation Army (Libya)|National Liberation Army]] attacked forces loyal to ousted strongman [[Muammar Gaddafi]] in his hometown and designated capital of [[Sirte]], on the [[Gulf of Sidra]]. As of September, Sirte was one of the last strongholds of Gaddafi loyalists, alongside [[Bani Walid]], and the NTC hoped that the fall of Sirte will bring the war to an end.<ref>{{cite web|title=Libya conflict: Pro-Gaddafi troops 'cornered' in Sirte|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15242235|publisher=www.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=10 October 2011}}</ref> ==Background== {{main|Second Gulf of Sidra offensive}} [[Anti-Gaddafi forces]] made a three-pronged advance toward Sirte over the course of several weeks, pushing forward from [[Misrata]] in the west, [[Brega]] in the east, and desert positions in the south, but met fierce resistance and suffered heavy casualties in their effort to reach the city. ==Battle== ===First opposition attack repelled=== ;15–18 September On 15 September, a spokesman for the [[National Transitional Council]] claimed that after being stuck no closer than 50km from Sirte for the past several days, opposition fighters had made a major push and reached the western outskirts of Sirte.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/ idAFL5E7KF35L20110915|agency=Reuters|date=15 September 2011|accessdate=15 September 2011|title=Libya interim govt says on outskirts of Sirte}}</ref> NTC forces reached the Gharbiyat Bridge, on the southwestern edge of the city, and were encountering resistance from Gaddafi loyalists.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8766599/Libya-rebels-enter-gates-of-Sirte.html|agency=Telegraph|date=15 September 2011|accessdate=15 September 2011|title=Libya rebels enter gates of Sirte}}</ref> In the evening, a NTC military spokesman told Reuters that NTC forces managed to enter the city itself where heavy fighting erupted.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7KF3UU20110915|Agency=Reuters|date=15 September 2011|accessdate=15 September 2011|title=Libyan NTC forces storm Gaddafi's home town}}</ref> A few hours later, the Misrata military council announced that their fighters took control of city center and exit road and were cleaning out pockets of resistance, particularly the beachfront where remnants of the [[Khamis Brigade]] were believed to be holding out. <ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/15/gaddafi-birthplace-captured-by-rebels Gaddafi's birthplace 'captured by rebels' in battle for last Libya coast stronghold]</ref> However, soon after, a spokesman for the opposition forces stated they were 8-10 kilometers from the city center after they had to retreat to treat their casualties.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14941326|Agency=BBC|date=15 September 2011|accessdate=15 September 2011|title=Libya conflict: Anti-Gaddafi NTC forces enter Sirte}}</ref> On 16 September, [[Al Jazeera]] claimed that Sirte's [[Gardabya Airport|airport]], 10 kilometers south of the city, was under NTC control.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL5E7KG14F20110916|Agency=Reuters|date=15 September 2011|accessdate=15 September 2011|title=Libyan NTC fighters seize Sirte airport - TV}}</ref> It was also confirmed that opposition forces had to retreat from the city itself the previous night, after entering it briefly, due to encountering heavy resistance. On 16 September, NTC forces launched a larger offensive into the city and heavy fighting ensued on Sirte's main boulevard, 1st of September St.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/turkish-pm-erdogan-arrives-libyan-capital-14533415|Agency=ABC|date=15 September 2011|accessdate=15 September 2011|title=Libyan Fighters Press Into Gadhafi Strongholds}}</ref> According to a man, claiming to be a spokesman for opposition fighters from inside Sirte, opposition forces controlled much of the city already, and it had been under siege by pro-Gaddafi forces for several months. The man's identity and his claims could not be independently confirmed.<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-sep-16-2011-1314 Fri, 16 Sep 2011, 11:14 GMT+3 - Libya]</ref> By the evening, opposition forces pulled back from the city after a day of chaotic, fierce street fighting, contradicting the earlier report by the claimed opposition spokesman from Sirte. The support the opposition expected from Sirte's residents did not materialize and loyalists showed more fierce resistance than what was anticipated by the opposition.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/09/16/libya.war/index.html?hpt=wo_c1 After a day of intense fighting, anti-Gadhafi forces pull back]</ref> On 17 September, anti-Gaddafi fighters renewed their offensive. Sirte's interim representative in the NTC said he had information that "there is no full control over Sirte" for either side, with parts of the city remaining under loyalist control and other parts of the city being taken by opposition fighters. At least three anti-Gaddafi fighters were killed in the fighting, and many wounded were evacuated to a field hospital set up at a gas station on the outskirts of Sirte.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/17/libya-sirte-bani-walid_n_967474.html|agency=The Huffington Post|date=17 September 2011|accessdate=17 September 2011|title=Libya: Rebels Advance In Sirte, Pull Back From Bani Walid}}</ref> On the eastern front, [[Al Jazeera]] reported anti-Gaddafi forces were still struggling to advance. A correspondent in [[Ra's Lanuf]] said many villages that anti-Gaddafi fighters had entered were found to be deserted, suggesting that their inhabitants had been persuaded to flee by pro-Gaddafi elements.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-sep-17-2011-1318|agency=Al Jazeera Blogs|date=17 September 2011|accessdate=17 September 2011|title=Sat, 17 Sep 2011, 11:18 GMT+3 - Libya}}</ref> Later, opposition forces stated that they had captured the city's airport, which they had already claimed to have done one day earlier.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14962623 Libya conflict: Rebels claim advances in Sirte battle]</ref> An opposition fighter, who was returning from the frontline, stated that NTC forces didn't control even 5% of the city and contradicted his officers claims of the airport takeover by saying that the NTC forces were only able to enter enemy territory by day but had to pull back during the night.<ref>[http://www.businesslive.co.za/africa/2011/09/17/libyan-ntc-troops-hit-tough-sirte-resistance Libyan NTC troops hit tough Sirte resistance]</ref> Later, it was confirmed that the airport was still in loyalist hands.<ref>[http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/international/2011/September/international_September1122.xml&section=international Gaddafi hiding near Algeria: NTC]</ref> On 18 September, opposition forces made another incursion into Sirte, but by dusk, they had once again retreated to the city's outskirts.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/18/us-libya-idUSTRE7810I820110918 Libyan forces retreat again as Gaddafi bastions hold]</ref> ===Eastern rebel forces approach=== ;19–23 September On 22 September, opposition forces advancing from the east, who included units from [[Benghazi]] and [[Bayda, Libya|Bayda]],<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/06/gaddafi-sirte-libya-final-battle?INTCMP=SRCH Gaddafi's last stronghold, the city of Sirte, becomes Libya's final battle]guardian, Retrieved 06 October 2011.</ref> halted their advance on Sirte for a week due to a shortage of ammunition. Meanwhile, commanders on the front line west of the town said they had been told to expect further NATO air strikes on Thursday and had orders not to advance.<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/libya-delays-assault-on-sirte-20110922-1klp3.html Libya delays assault on Sirte]</ref> During the evening of 23 September, NTC fighters managed to reach the city's eastern gate with virtually no resistance from pro-Gaddafi forces.<ref>{{cite web|title=Libyan fighters ready for final Sirte assault|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/09/201192444319839381.html|publisher=Al-Jazeera English|accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref> ===Second opposition attack repelled=== ;24–25 September On 24 September, NTC forces, which were preparing for an assault for the past week, swarmed into the city from the west, taking control of Zafran Square, about one mile from city center.<ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7KO0G720110924?sp=true WRAPUP 1-Libyans fight for control of Gaddafi stronghold Sirte]</ref><ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-sep-24-2011-0908 Al Jazeera Live Blog]</ref> Opposition troops advanced to a major TV broadcaster in the city's western part and were encountering heavy resistance from loyalist troops on the main boulevard toward the city center. A NTC military spokesman claimed that they expected to capture two western neighborhoods by the evening.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/series-of-blasts-sends-up-huge-plume-of-black-smoke-in-harbor-area-of-tripoli-cause-unknown/2011/09/24/gIQAdTgJtK_story.html Libyan forces launch new assault on Gadhafi’s hometown of Sirte]</ref><ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15047278 Libyan troops 'clash with pro-Gaddafi forces' in Sirte]</ref> A [[BBC News]] correspondent reported that anti-Gaddafi fighters had made a particularly swift advance from the east as well, pushing deep into Sirte, and he judged the battle to be tipping in favour of the interim government's forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15051023|agency=BBC News|title=Libya's NTC troops enter pro-Gaddafi city of Sirte|date=24 September 2011|accessdate=25 September 2011}}</ref> On 25 September, the NTC forces retreated from the western part of Sirte, after meeting strong resistance from loyalist forces, back to its outskirts. Nine opposition fighters were killed and 97 others wounded in the previous day of fighting.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/09/2011925104532777522.html Libyan NTC fighters pull back from Sirte]</ref> ===Third opposition attack repelled=== ;26–28 September On 26 September, NTC forces continued their offensive against Sirte with NTC tanks shelling the city center from a distance of 2 kilometers from the western outskirts. Dr. Eman Mohammed, a civilian doctor who worked at the city's central Ibn Sina Hospital before fleeing the fighting to NTC-held territory, reported that most civilian deaths and injuries appear to have been caused by NTC shelling,<ref>[http://tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=7001</ref> causing vengeful relatives to join the pro-Gaddafi forces as armed volunteers.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/09/26/libya-sirte-nato-gadhafi.html]</ref> Meanwhile, the main NTC eastern assault body fought their way to 10 kilometers east of the town<ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7KQ1XT20110926?sp=true Libyan tanks strike Sirte loyalists]</ref> and then entered city itself few hours later.<ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7KQ35120110926 Libyan forces enter Gaddafi home town from east]</ref> On 27 September, an NTC senior military commander in Tripoli announced that their forces managed to secure the port and were battling for control of the city center where snipers were halting their progress.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/27/world/africa/libya-war/ Libyan anti-Gadhafi forces take over port in Sirte]</ref> Opposition troops advancing from the west were still in the city's outskirts while those advancing from the east were pinned down by the snipers at a roundabout approximately 2 kilometers from the city center, at the eastern edge of the town.<ref>[http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/09/27/idINIndia-59562320110927 Snipers hold up push into Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte]</ref> Later during the day, a NTC fighter came from the roundabout to the opposition lines outside the city and, panicky, requested more reinforcements for those still left behind. The NTC forces that managed to get to the roundabout could not move due to the heavy sniper activity and were constantly hit with accurate artillery and rocket fire, sustaining heavy casualties. However, the reinforcements could not go in because of the heavy artillery barrage between them and the cut-off troops.<ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL5E7KR3BG20110927 Loyalists make stand in Gaddafi's home town]</ref> Heavy face-to-face fighting was also raging at the Mahari hotel.<ref>[http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/-/1066/1244240/-/13487yq/-/ Anti-Gaddafi fighters pounded in fight for Sirte]</ref> On 28 September, the NTC offensive continued with the west and east opposition forces attempting to link up south of the city by capturing the airport, which they had already claimed on several occasions to have seized in the past.<ref>[http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/international/2011/September/international_September1122.xml&section=international Gaddafi hiding near Algeria: NTC]</ref> However, at least on the eastern side, there were almost no advances by the opposition. NTC fighters were still pinned down, for a third day, at the roundabout, and not even the arrival of five tanks managed to break the stalemate since they quickly came under accurate loyalist rocket fire, missing them by only a few yards.<ref>[http://www.sharenet.co.za/news/Libyas_NTC_thinks_Gaddafi_hiding_near_Algeria/a7de29d4b95faec6fbf371d79396e2e7 Libya's NTC thinks Gaddafi hiding near Algeria]</ref> Later during the evening, the opposition forces on the eastern edge of the city were finally pushed back three kilometers outside the city after a series of ferocious attacks by loyalist fighters.<ref>[http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Gadhafi+diehards+force+Sirte+retreat+fighters/5475101/story.html Gadhafi diehards force Sirte retreat by NTC fighters]</ref> ===NTC forces link up, cease-fire=== ;29 September–3 October During the morning of 29 September, the NTC forces pushing from both west and east once again captured the city's airport,<ref>[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0929/breaking36.html Libyan forces capture Sirte airport]</ref><ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7KT2XL20110929 Libyan interim gov't forces capture Sirte airport]</ref> but were still facing rocket fire from the other side of the runway.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15110440 Libyan forces take Sirte airport]</ref> On 30 September, there was no major activity on the frontline except the constant shelling. Also, the NTC force at the roundabout was still pinned down for a fifth straight day and had temporarily run out of ammunition the day before.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/30/libya-idUSL5E7KU39W20110930 Civilians flee Sirte battle, fighting hampers aid -UN]</ref> At this time, a two-day cease-fire was declared by the NTC so to give a chance to civilians to flee the city and also for the Red Cross officials to inspect a hospital close to the city center.<ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/libyan-children-killed-as-sirte-exodus-grows_734532.html Libyan children killed as Sirte exodus grows]</ref> On 1 October, a force of about 100 NTC vehicles entered the city from south and encircled the [[Sirte Declaration|Ouagadougou Conference Center]]. Despite the declared cease-fire, NTC shelling of the city center continued near the hospital (west of the conference center) that the humanitarian workers were visiting.<ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/libyan-children-killed-as-sirte-exodus-grows_734532.html Libyan children killed as Sirte exodus grows]</ref> On 2 October, an NTC source claimed that they had taken 95 percent of the town of [[Qasr Abu Hadi|Buhadi]] (Qasr Abu Hadi), just opposite of the airport south of the city,<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15148491 Libya conflict: New offensive on Sirte]</ref> which was home to many pro-Gaddafi loyalists and also a small military base.<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-oct-2-2011-1408 Al Jazeera Live Blog]</ref> It was also the birthplace of Muammar Gaddafi himself.<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/fighters-overrun-gaddafi-birthplace-20111004-1l5st.html Fighters overrun Gaddafi birthplace]</ref> However, another opposition source stated that they were concentrating on the town and still targeting it after they found out from a captured loyalist that [[Al-Mu'tasim-Billah al-Gaddafi|Mutassim Gaddafi]] was possibly holed up in that area. Red Cross officials who had pulled back from the hospital near the city center described a dire situation with patients dying from the lack of medical supplies and power shortages. They and the fleeing civilians also stated that civilian areas were being hit by indiscriminate fire from both the loyalists, opposition fighters and NATO.<ref>[http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/shortages-killing-patients-in-libya-siege-hospital Shortages "killing patients" in Libya siege hospital]</ref> During the evening, NTC forces had pulled out of the town where Colonel Gaddafi was born claiming they were ordered to by NATO so they would conduct air-strikes in the area.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15141177 Libya conflict: Hundreds of residents flee Sirte]</ref> Later, it was reported that at this time Mutassim Gaddafi managed to slip out of Sirte and headed south into the Libyan desert.<ref>[http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/gaddafis-son-mutassim-flees-hometown-of-sirte--tv/ Gaddafi's son Mutassim flees hometown of Sirte -TV]</ref> On the morning of 3 October, Reuters reported that NTC forces had taken control of [[Qasr Abu Hadi|Buhadi]] and were clearing out pockets of resistance.<ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7L32JQ20111003 Libya government forces capture district in Sirte]</ref> However, a NTC commander said they had taken control of 75 percent of the town.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Libyas-NTC-eyes-symbolic-coup-in-Sirte-20111003 Libya's NTC eyes symbolic coup in Sirte]</ref> Al Jazeera disputed an advance on Buhadi altogether stating opposition troops were holding positions three kilometers from the town.<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-oct-3-2011-1321 Civilians fleeing Sirte describe desperate situation]</ref> The BBC confirmed that a new assault on Sirte had started, but noted that the offensive seemed un-coordinated and the opposition rocket and artillery fire at the city random, potentially endangering civilians.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15148491 Libya conflict: New offensive on Sirte]</ref> Later that evening, Gaddafi's hometown was declared secured by the opposition forces.<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/fighters-overrun-gaddafi-birthplace-20111004-1l5st.html Fighters overrun Gaddafi birthplace]</ref> ===Fourth opposition attack=== ;4–12 October [[Image:Howitzer shelling of Sirte.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=|NTC artillery shelling Sirte.]] On 4 October, opposition forces moved forward toward the conference centre in Sirte, which was being used as a base by the loyalists. But, soon after, heavy and accurate pro-Gaddafi fire hit the NTC column sending it into a retreat.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/opposition-forces-close-in-on-gaddafi-stronghold-2365188.html Opposition forces close in on Gaddafi stronghold]</ref> On 5 October, NTC forces claimed to had made a push into the center of Sirte, while their commander announced that they had taken control of half of the city and were expecting it to fall within two days.<ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7L448320111005?sp=true Reuters: Libyan government forces push into centre of Sirte]</ref> Both claims were later found to be untrue. According to NTC forces, the only people left in the city were mercenaries, pro-Gaddafi die-hard fighters, and perhaps Mutassim Gaddafi, while several local citizens said there were almost no loyalist troops left in the city, and resistance was coming mostly from civilian volunteers who were afraid of being massacred by NTC forces.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/05/us-libya-sirte-anger-idUSTRE7941C020111005 Sirte residents turn anger on Libya's new rulers], Reuters, 5 October 2011</ref> During the assault, for the first time during the war, a loyalist suicide bomber blew himself up among opposition fighters, killing and wounding several, after he managed to infiltrate them.<ref>[http://www.ennaharonline.com/en/international/7404.html Gaddafi uses, for the first time, a suicide bomber against combatants]</ref> In Abu Hadi, NTC fighters from Misrata started looting and burning houses in vengeance for the [[Battle of Misrata]]. Eastern NTC troops calls for an end to the looting were, however, ignored.<ref>MSNBC. [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44790678/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/libya-fighters-loot-gadhafi-tribe-showing-divide/ Libya fighters loot Gadhafi tribe, showing divide], AP, 5 October 2011</ref> According to humanitarian workers, the NATO bombing was sometimes doing the opposite of what it was declared to be doing, protecting civilians.<ref name=AlJazeera32>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/10/2011106131656314571.html Gaddafi exhorts Libyans to rise against NTC], Al Jazeera, 6 October 2011</ref> One aid worker said there was "a lot of indiscriminate fire", and he had spoken to residents and doctors that complained about deaths from NATO air strikes.<ref name=AlJazeera32/> On 6 October, the opposition push into Sirte had once again stalled with loyalist snipers blocking their advance. The only solid gains the NTC made in the previous 24 hours was the taking of a luxurious hotel on the northeastern edge of the city.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/06/us-libya-idUSL5E7KT4YC20111006 Sniper fire holds up push into Gaddafi's]</ref> During the night, loyalists advanced several hundred meters under the cover of darkness and took up positions closer to the NTC frontline. Heavy fighting raged during the day on the road leading from the hotel. NTC fighters attempted to advance along the seafront to try and cut off the Mauritanian Quarter where a large number of loyalists were holed up.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15206478 Libya conflict: Muammar Gaddafi urges mass protests]</ref> Also, a NTC force was holding positions in open ground about 1.5 kilometres south of the conference center and bombarding loyalist forces who were replying with mortar fire.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ji1B9WLhBRIImiB0fD9RYosQztMw?docId=CNG.d7d012f166b478cb279a01d316509da8.5c1 Kadhafi diehards bid to break Sirte siege]</ref> On the eastern side of Sirte, loyalists attacked opposition fighters at the roundabout during the day with an anti-aircraft gun. By the evening, the NTC fighters at the conference center, even though supported by three tanks, were driven back due to loyalist missile fire.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/06/gaddafi-sirte-libya-final-battle?newsfeed=true Gaddafi's last stronghold, the city of Sirte, becomes Libya's final battle]</ref> On 7 October, NTC forces launched a coordinated attack from three sides, dubbed as the "final assaut", attacking Ouagadougou conference center, the Mauritanian Quarter and the city's university. By the early evening, 15 NTC fighters were killed and 193 wounded. Among the dead was Colonel Amin El Turki, one of the western front commanders,<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8813811/Libyas-rebels-launch-the-final-push-for-Sirte-and-their-crowning-victory.html Libya's rebels launch the final push for Sirte and their crowning victory]</ref> and among the wounded was also Ali Saeh, a senior commander of the Free Libya Brigade, who was shot twice by a sniper while leading his troops through residential areas.<ref>[http://www.kansascity.com/2011/10/07/3192706/intense-fighting-in-gadhafis-hometown.html Libyan fighters assault main Gadhafi base in Sirte]</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/07/world/africa/libya-war/?hpt=wo_c2 U.S. official: Anti-Gadhafi commanders predict Sirte will fall soon]</ref> Most of the casualties occurred when opposition forces attempted to advance across an open field toward Ouagadougou but suffered heavy casualties and were repelled.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8815898/Libya-suicide-tank-driver-leads-the-charge-for-Gaddafis-Sirte.html Libya: suicide tank driver leads the charge for Gaddafi's Sirte]</ref> By this time, reports put opposition units 1-2 kilometers from the city center, but still not being able to overcome the large loyalist hold-outs,<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15210806 Libya NTC forces take most of Gaddafi stronghold Sirte]</ref> mainly the conference center where they managed to get to the centre's perimeter wall but could not advance further.<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-oct-8-2011-0006 AJE Live Blog]</ref> At the end of the day, a BBC correspondent on the ground claimed that NTC forces had taken control of most of Sirte, an NTC military commander claimed they controlled over three quarters of the city and an unnamed US government source stated 80 percent.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/07/libya-fighters-sirte_n_1000808.html Libya: Fighters Assault Sirte]</ref><ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15210806 Libya NTC forces take most of Gaddafi stronghold Sirte]</ref> There was no explanation for the discrepancy in the estimates or solid independent verification, but there was still heavy fighting at the conference hall, the city center, the university building, Gaddafi's palace and the Mauritanian Quarter well into the night. By the next morning, it was clear that claims of opposition success the previous day were premature as loyalists were still in control of most of the city.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/10/2011108152630537373.html Libyan fighters make limited gains in Sirte]</ref> [[Image:Sirte-8.10.2011.png|thumb|right|400px|alt=|Overall military situation in Sirte on 8 October 2011.]] On 8 October, fighting at the Ouagadougou conference center still continued with NTC fighters pushing with 100 vehicles on the southern part of the city, only to retreat later after encountering heavy resistance.<ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7L807W20111008?sp=true Libyan forces mount attack on southern Sirte]</ref> Eastern front troops were meanwhile fighting in the Giza (Mauritanian) district and western units fought towards Green square at the heart of Sirte.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2520566.ece Libyan fighters shell Sirte ahead of fresh assault]</ref> Once again, under the cover of darkness the previous night, and this time under the cover of a sandstorm too, loyalists regain some ground on the northeastern edge of the city from where NTC fighters pulled back. Some 500 meters of no-man's land divided the loyalists and the opposition fighters who were stationed at the hotel. Snipers were using trenches between buildings to change their positions so the NTC spotters could not determine their exact locations.<ref>[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/23629/World/Region/Snipers-slow-government-attack-on-Gaddafi-hometown.aspx Snipers slow government attack on Gaddafi hometown]</ref> Later that day, NTC forces took control over the Sabamaiyah residential area (or Seven Hundred complex), three kilometres inside the city, which was home to many pro-Gaddafi officers and commanders in the [[Libyan Army|Army]].<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-oct-8-2011-1613 AJE Live Blog]</ref><ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8815183/Libya-ferocious-fighting-as-rebels-head-for-centre-of-Sirte.html Libya: ferocious fighting as rebels head for centre of Sirte]</ref> Also, western troops had taken control over the strategic dual-lane avenue which leads from the city center to the south,<ref>[http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpps/news/libyas-new-regime-fighters-seize-sirte-road-dpgonc-km-20111008_15387290 Libya's New Regime Fighters Seize Sirte Road]</ref> effectively cutting off the Ouagadougou complex from the city center.<ref>Davies, Wyre (9 October 2011) [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15232870 Libya conflict: Gaddafi town Sirte 'close to falling'] BBC News Africa, Retrieved 9 October 2011</ref> A NTC commander on the ground claimed that pro-Gaddafi troops had been driven away from Ibn Sina hospital,<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ik258UyIdE_eqIC8ony9u2we2pCQ?docId=9d3d34256c604fd19b75736f734da89b Libyans face heavy resistance in Gadhafi hometown]</ref> but that was later found to be untrue.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/09/world/africa/libya-war/ Libya fighters in 'final stages' to take Gadhafi hometown, they say]</ref> Fighting was also continuing at Gaddafi's palace and the university. An NTC tank, driven by a lone operator, suicidally charged across an open field toward the university area in an attempt to breach the reinforced walls around it, which were still not destroyed after 36 hours of constant rocket barrages. It is not known what happened to the tank and the driver after it disappeared into the smoke of the front lines.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8815898/Libya-suicide-tank-driver-leads-the-charge-for-Gaddafis-Sirte.html Libya: suicide tank driver leads the charge for Gaddafi's Sirte]</ref> In the words of a BBC journalist "Pro-Gaddafi forces are putting up extraordinary resistance in defence of what seems a lost cause". The loyalists were reported to still have several tanks, heavy artillery pieces and rocket launchers.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15224301 New bombardment hits Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte]</ref> During the previous two days of fighting the NTC had lost 32 fighters<ref>[http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/2011/10/libyans-face-heavy-resistance-gadhafi-hometown Libyans claim gains in Gadhafi hometown offensive]</ref> and had 326 wounded.<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-10/09/c_131179983.htm 17 NTC fighters killed, 227 injured in battles for Gaddafi's hometown]</ref><ref>[http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/260473/libya-forces-on-verge-of-claiming-capture-of-sirte Libya forces tighten grip on Kadhafi hometown]</ref> Overall, NTC forces had made limited success during the offensive by only capturing the Sabamiyah neighbourhood, also known as the Seven Hundred complex, on the second day.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/10/2011108152630537373.html Libyan fighters make limited gains in Sirte]</ref> During the night between 8 to 9 October the opposition was able to secure Sirte university, however, they lost 10 fighters and had more than 100 injured. The opposition had still not captured the Ibn Sina hospital because, per a NTC commander, they wanted to prevent civilian casualties which would result from fighting in its proximity.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/09/world/africa/libya-war/ Libya fighters in 'final stages' to take Gadhafi hometown, they say]</ref> During the morning, after spending the night on the campus grounds, the NTC fighters came under random strikes sustaining several casualties. Due to the firing they had trouble evacuating the dead and the wounded from the university.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/09/libyan-forces-seize-sirte-landmarks Libyan forces seize Sirte landmarks as battle for city nears end]</ref> Later that day, NTC forces, once again, entered Ouagadougou centre and had finally taken control of it.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15232870 Libyan fighters make Sirte gains after bitter fighting]</ref> In the late afternoon, NTC forces were able to secure Ibn Sina hospital and started with the evacuation of the wounded and sick.<ref>[http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7L90CK20111009 Libya govt forces seize main hospital in Sirte]</ref> At one point, NTC forces attempted to advance into the western residential districts but a loyalist mortar barrage hit the opposition coloumn, inflicting heavy losses on them with dozens of dead and wounded arriving at a field hospital and sending the opposition fighters into a frantic retreat.<ref>Davies, Wyre (9 October 2011) [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15232870 Libya conflict: Gaddafi town Sirte 'close to falling'] BBC News Africa, Retrieved 9 October 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/09/subbed-libya-idUSL5E7L90MN20111009 Libya govt forces attack Gaddafi security HQ in Sirte]</ref> At least 10 NTC [[Technical (vehicle)|technicals]] were destroyed.<ref>[http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/libyan-fighters-corner-gaddafi-loyalists-1.1154238?showComments=true Libyan fighters corner Gaddafi loyalists]</ref> Also, NTC troops had been battling east of Green Square and announced that they had taken control over Al Giza district.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/anti-gadhafi-fighters-make-gains-sirte-14699269 Anti-Gadhafi Fighters Make Gains in Sirte]</ref><ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-oct-9-2011-1643 AJE Live Blog]</ref> By the end of 9 October, Gaddafi's palace, the western residential areas and the city center were the last loyalist-held parts of the city.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203633104576620870675787398.html Anti-Gadhafi Fighters Make Gains in Sirte]</ref> During the night, loyalists launched a strong counter-attack in the east of the city, leaving 17 opposition fighters dead and 87 wounded. Counter-attacking loyalists also hit anti-Gaddafi forces at Ibn Sina, forcing them to retreat from positions around the hospital.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/10/world/africa/libyan-government-says-its-advancing-on-center-of-surt.html Fighters Enter City Once Home to Qaddafi]</ref> At the same time, the NTC fighters near the city center were attacking the Gaddafi security headquarters, pounding the building with anti-aircraft fire and rockets.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/09/subbed-libya-idUSL5E7L90MN20111009 Libya govt forces attack Gaddafi security HQ in Sirte]</ref> The opposition stated that they had captured a nephew of Muammar Gaddafi's, [[Abdel Rahman Abdel Hamid]], during the day. He had been a commander of one of the loyalist brigades in Sirte.<ref>[http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1667602.php/Report-Gaddafi-nephew-arrested-in-Sirte Report: Gaddafi nephew arrested in Sirte]</ref> The NTC had claimed that he was executed by other loyalists two weeks previously.<ref>[http://inagist.com/Sirte_Feb17/118375049920122881/Confirmed_news_that_Gaddafis_nephew,_AbdelRahman_AbdelHamid,_was_killed_in_Sirte Confirmed news that Gaddafi's nephew, AbdelRahman AbdelHamid, was killed in #Sirte recently by G men from Gadadfa tribe. #Libya #Feb17]</ref> On 10 October, fighting was still raging near the hospital.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15244620 Libya: Fighting rages near Sirte hospital]</ref> Opposition fighters attempted to advance from the conference center, but became pinned down about 400 yards away as they entered the residential areas. Back-and-forth fighting was also occurring at the television and radio station. NTC forces managed to capture it from the loyalists who were holding it, but soon after, pro-Gaddafi forces re-captured the station and later repelled a new opposition assault against the broadcasting building.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8818762/Libya-rebel-fighters-push-on-as-final-battle-for-Sirte-looms.html Libya: rebel fighters push on as final battle for Sirte looms]</ref> On 11 October, an advance force of 30 opposition fighters captured the police headquarters near the city center after they found the building empty while scouting enemy positions. Soon after, a new round of fighting erupted in the southwestern part of the city.<ref>[http://en.news.maktoob.com/20090001133344/Anti-Kadhafi_fighters_seize_Sirte_police_HQ/Article.htm Anti-Kadhafi fighters seize Sirte police HQ]</ref> Later, NTC forces punched through the central line of defence in Sirte, facing little resistance and losing no men in the assault, pushing pro-Gaddafi forces into two neighborhoods (Al Shabiyah and Al Dollar). Also, the southern, western and eastern fronts linked up a few hundred meters from the city center.<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-oct-11-2011-2021 Al Jazeera Tony Britles from Sirte]</ref><ref>[http://www.skynews.com.au/world/article.aspx?id=672176&vId=2768528&cId=World Libya fighters seize Sirte police HQ]</ref> On 12 October, NTC forces pushed even further, reducing loyalist-held territory to the Al Dollar neighborhood and districts 1 and 2.<ref>[http://www.france24.com/en/20111012-fighters-move-kill-kadhafi-town Fighters move in for kill in Kadhafi town]</ref> Fighting was also ongoing in the city center and at the TV station.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15277507 Libya conflict: Gaddafi forces 'cornered' in Sirte]</ref> Hundreds of civilians were streaming out of the contested areas during a lull in the fighting, mostly women and children, leaving behind a city in ruins.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2011/oct/12/libya-battle-for-central-sirte-live-updates?newsfeed=true#block-3 The Guardian Live Blog]</ref><ref>[http://news.sky.com/home/article/16087088 Fall Of Gaddafi's Home Town 'Hours Away']</ref> Soon, the fighting continued. The loyalists had flooded large parts of the streets of District 2 after bursting the sewage pipes. This slowed a bit the opposition fighters who were at times advancing in thigh-deep water.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/12/libya-sirte-falling-government-forces?newsfeed=true Libyan city of Sirte on the brink of falling]</ref> One NTC tank maneuvered into a small side street flooded with sewage from one of the burst pipes. It fired off a few rounds toward a large building where suspected loyalists were holed up. Then the infantry moved down the street firing their weapons, but received only little return fire. As they moved closer to the building they were ambushed and had to pull back while receiving a hail of RPG and small-arms fire.<ref>[http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/10/12/uk-libya-idUKTRE79B2EJ20111012 Gaddafi loyalists in two small pockets of Sirte]</ref> In another part of the city, opposition troops advanced on a neighborhood of pock-marked villas, backed up by heavy weapons fire.<ref>[http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=NTC+within+sight+of+victory+in+Kadhafi+town&NewsID=305428 NTC within sight of victory in Kadhafi town]</ref> An AFP correspondent reported on fighting at a school which held a number of loyalist fighters. The reporter stated that he saw at least six dead opposition fighters and dozens of wounded after they tried to storm the school. After that, the NTC fighters pulled back and started bombarding the building with mortar fire.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jRgBdJpxUSVvjHgBfMGzs174G8Lw?docId=CNG.fcd8ea6760df67e79f8be52ee60a531e.61 Libya fighters 'mop up' in Sirte as Kadhafi son held]</ref> By this time, the NTC forces had control of 80 percent of the city.<ref>[http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/10/12/uk-libya-idUKTRE79B2EJ20111012 Gaddafi loyalists in two small pockets of Sirte]</ref> While clearing the area, NTC fighters found the bodies of 42 people in three pits at a farmland who had allegedly been executed by the retreating loyalists. It was thought they were captured opposition fighters at first, but later it appeared they were civilians who refused to fight in the defense of the city.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/16/libya-sirte-families-flee-gaddafi Gaddafi loyalists hold out in last desperate resistance at Sirte, as families flee]</ref> During the evening, NTC commanders at the front claimed that [[Al-Mu'tasim-Billah al-Gaddafi|Muttasim Gaddafi]] had been captured, as he was trying to leave the city in a family car, and sent of to Benghazi. Some officials in Tripoli also claimed this.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8823506/Libya-Col-Gaddafis-son-Mutassim-captured-trying-to-flee-Sirte.html Libya: Col Gaddafi's son Mutassim 'captured trying to flee Sirte']</ref><ref>[http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/111013/mutassim-gaddafi-arrested-sirte Moutism Gaddafi arrested in Sirte?]</ref><ref>[http://www.scotsman.com/news/international/survivor_mourns_dead_piled_up_on_gaddafi_son_s_doorstep_1_1911978 Survivor mourns dead piled up on Gaddafi son’s doorstep]</ref> However, later on, a spokesman for the NTC in Benghazi said they had no confirmation that Mutassim had been captured, even after contacting opposition commanders at Sirte.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jRgBdJpxUSVvjHgBfMGzs174G8Lw?docId=CNG.fcd8ea6760df67e79f8be52ee60a531e.61 Libya fighters 'mop up' in Sirte as Kadhafi son held]</ref> ===Loyalists surrounded, resist=== ;13 October– On 13 October, loyalist forces counter-attacked, pushing back NTC troops for two kilometers back to the police headquarters they had captured two days before.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jRgBdJpxUSVvjHgBfMGzs174G8Lw?docId=CNG.fcd8ea6760df67e79f8be52ee60a531e.61 Kadhafi loyalists hit back in Sirte]</ref> As dusk fell, the opposition launched a new two-pronged assault in an attempt to re-take the territory they had lost.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8825372/Fall-of-Sirte-very-close-and-will-end-Libyan-conflict-Liam-Fox-declares.html Fall of Sirte 'very close' and will end Libyan conflict, Liam Fox declares]</ref> By midnight, loyalist fighters were cornered to only one small area. Estimates on the number of remaining loyalist fighters ranged from 500 to 2,000.<ref>[http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-oct-13-2011-2326 AJE Live Blog]</ref> On 14 October, NTC forces started, once again, an advance from the police headquarters into the Al Dollar neighborhood and district 2, in an effort to re-take the territory they lost the day before. A 100-strong force advanced two kilometers and captured a school on the edge of Al Dollar. From there, they started a heavy bombardment of loyalist positions, which their scouting teams had previously identified. The opposition used Grad rockets and several artillery shells. The loyalists responded with heavy fire and by the evening the NTC fighters had pulled back to their positions at the police station.<ref>[http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/ntc-pounds-kadhafi-fighters-in-sirte-clashes-in-tripoli/ NTC pounds Kadhafi fighters in Sirte, clashes in Tripoli]</ref> An Al Jazeera corespondent confirmed that the battle lines had not moved for the previous 24 hours.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/10/201110140613310311.html Gaddafi 'being tracked by satellite']</ref> On 15 October, loyalists once again pushed back the opposition troops from the edge of the two hold-outs in the direction of the police station. The NTC forces stated that they would not launch any more direct attacks on the neighborhoods because of the high possibility they would suffer heavy casualties. Instead, they decided they would bombard that part of the city with rockets and artillery until the loyalist forces surrender.<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/gaddafi-loyalists-mount-fierce-fightback-20111016-1lr4d.html Gaddafi loyalists mount fierce fightback]</ref> Meanwhile, opposition fighters found another 11 dumped bodies of people who were, according to them, executed by the loyalists.<ref>[http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/10/15/171974.html More Bodies Found in Sirte]</ref> On 16 October, the opposition continued with their bombardment of the remaining loyalist-held parts of Sirte.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15330551 Libya conflict: NTC forces claim Bani Walid advance]</ref> [[Reuters]] reported widespread looting by the NTC fighters, most of them from Misrata,<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/05/libya-gaddafi-fighters-looting_n_997154.html Libya: Anti-Gaddafi Fighters Loot, Burn Homes In Sirte]</ref> with truckloads of stolen goods being driven away and homes being vandalized, angering residents both supporting Gaddafi and those neutral in the uprising.<ref>http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7LG0CV20111016</ref> On 18 October, after two days of shelling, NTC fighters launched another offensive from the east with approximately 1,000 troops surging into the remaining two neighbourhoods in Sirte under loyalist control, Al Dollar and District Two. This move came a day after NTC forces have taken control over [[Bani Walid]], thus making pockets in Sirte the only significant remaining area under pro-Gaddafi control in Libya.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/libyan-forces-launch-offensive-from-east-side-of-gadhafis-hometown/2011/10/18/gIQATKiitL_story.html Libyan forces launch offensive from east side of Gadhafi’s hometown]</ref> The attackers took heavy casualties. The popular commander of the Zintan Brigade, [[Mustafa Bendardaf]], was struck and killed by mortar fire in the advance.<ref name="ahram_online"/> The opposition forces managed to capture a vegetable market during their attack, but continued to receive small-arms and RPG fire from rooftops.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/libyan-forces-searching-gadhafi-stronghold-14761744 Libyans Close to Total Victory Over Gadhafi Forces]</ref> During the day, Gaddafi loyalists launched a fierce counter-attack pushing back NTC forces around another two kilometers close to the conference center, where Gaddafi forces had been holed up in until the previous week. The opposition tried to regroup at the center, but became pinned down as a volley of 22 mm rounds hit their positions. The loyalist breakthrough led to NTC positions being shelled by mortar fire on the southern outskirts of the city, which had previously been declared secured, and sniper fire hitting opposition fighters at the Seven Hundred district in the suburbs.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44944679/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/#.Tp5A3N7XpXk Clinton in Libya to offer new aid package]</ref> During this time, an Australian Muslim cleric, who was supporting the NTC, was shot and killed during the fighting in Sirte, while he was delivering medical aid into the city.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-19/reports-sydney-muslim-leader-killed-in-libya/3579514?section=nsw Reports Sydney Muslim leader killed in Libya]</ref> ==NATO Strikes== {| class="wikitable" ! colspan="7"|15 September - 12 October NATO Strikes |- !Date ![[Vehicle]]s ![[Tank]]s ![[Missile]]s and [[Rocket launcher|Missile Launchers]] !Buildings ![[Radar]] and [[Antenna]]s |- |15 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 15 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110916_110916-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=16 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 2 Armed Vehicles | align=center| 1 |align=center| 4 Multiple Rocket Launchers, 8 Air Missile Systems |align=center| 1 Military Storage Facility | align=center| 0 |- |16 September<ref>{{cite web|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update For 16 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110917_110917-oup-update.pdf|author=Press Release|accessdate=17 September 2011}}</ref> |align=center| 4 Armed Vehicles | align=center| 0 |align=center| 8 Air Missile Systems |align=center| 5 Command and Control Nodes | align=center| 3 Radar Systems |- |17 September<ref>{{cite web|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update For 17 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110918_110918-oup-update.pdf|author=Press Release|accessdate=18 September 2011}}</ref> |align=center| 1 Armed Vehicle | align=center| 0 |align=center| 4 Multiple Rocket Launchers, 4 Surface to Air Missile Systems |align=center| 2 Command and Control Nodes | align=center| 0 |- |18 September<ref>{{cite web|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update For 18 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110919_110919-oup-update.pdf|author=Press Release|accessdate=19 September 2011}}</ref> |align=center| 0 | align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Multiple Rocket Launcher, 4 Air Missile Systems |align=center| 1 Military Facility, 1 Command and Control Node | align=center| 0 |- |19 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 20 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110920_110920-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=20 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 1 Armed Vehicle | align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Multiple Rocket System |align=center| 0 | align=center| 0 |- |20 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 21 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110921_110921-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=21 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 0 | align=center| 1 |align=center| 6 Air Missile Systems |align=center| 2 Military Ammunition/Storage Facilities, 1 Command and Control Node, 1 Military Vehicle Storage Facility | align=center| 0 |- |21 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 22 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110922_110922-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=22 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 0 | align=center| 0 |align=center| 5 Surface to Air Missile Systems |align=center| 1 Command and Control Node | align=center| 0 |- |22 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 22 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110923_110923-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=23 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 0 | align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Ammunition Storage and Military Barracks Facility. | align=center| 0 |- |23 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 23 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110924_110924-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=24 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 2 Armed Vehicles | align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Anti Aircraft Gun |align=center| 1 Ammunition Storage Facility, 1 Command and Control Node | align=center| 0 |- |24 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 24 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110925_110925-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=25 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 29 Armed Vehicles | align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 2 Command and Control Nodes, 1 Military Staging Location, 1 Division Storage Bunker and Radar Facility, 3 Ammunition Storage Facilities, 1 Weapon Firing Position, 1 Ammunition and Vehicle Storage Facility, 1 Vehicle Staging Point | align=center| 0 |- |25 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 25 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110926_110926-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=26 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 1 Military Support Vehicle | align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Multiple Rocket Launcher, 1 Artillery Piece |align=center| 1 Command and Control Node, 2 Ammunition/Vehicle Storage Facilities, 1 Ammunition Storage Facility | align=center| 1 Radar Facility |- |26 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 26 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110927_110927-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=27 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 0 | align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Command and Control Node, 1 Ammunition/Vehicle Storage Facility | align=center| 0 |- |27 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 27 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110928_110928-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=28 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Ammunition/Vehicle Storage Facility |align=center| 0 |- |28 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 28 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110929_110929-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=29 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Ammunition/Vehicle Storage Facility, 1 Staging and Firing Location, 1 Command and Control Node and Staging Area, 2 Ammunition and Missile Facilities |align=center| 0 |- |29 September<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 29 September|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_09/20110930_110930-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=30 September 2011|author=Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Ammunition Storage Area, 1 Multi Rocket Launcher Area |align=center| 0 |- |1 October<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 1 October|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_10/20111002_111002-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=2 October 2011|author=NATO Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 2 Armed Vehicles, 4 Armoured Infantry Vehicles |align=center| 1 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Command and Control Node, 1 Infantry and Anti-Aircraft Artillery Staging Area |align=center| 0 |- |2 October<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 2 October|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_10/20111003_111003-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=3 October 2011|author=NATO Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 1 Armed Vehicle |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Multiple Rocket Launcher |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |- |7 October<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 7 October|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_10/20111008_111008-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=8 October 2011|author=NATO Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 1 Firing and Vehicle Staging Point |align=center| 0 |- |12 October<ref>{{cite news|title=NATO and Libya Operational Media Update for 12 October|url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_10/20111013_111013-oup-update.pdf|accessdate=13 October 2011|author=NATO Press Release}}</ref> |align=center| 2 Military Vehicles |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |align=center| 0 |- !Total !49 !4 !49 !45 !4 |} == References == {{Reflist|30em}} {{2011 Libyan civil war}} {{coord missing|Libya}} [[Category:Battles of the 2011 Libyan civil war]] [[Category:Sirte]] [[ar:معركة سرت]] [[pl:Bitwa o Syrtę (2011)]] [[pt:Batalha de Sirte (2011)]] [[ru:Битва за Сирт]] [[zh:苏尔特之战]]'