Sirte: Libya`s new regime fighters on Tuesday
seized the police headquarters in the centre of Muammar
Gaddafi`s hometown Sirte after the toppled leader`s diehards
deserted it.
The National Transitional Council combatants celebrated
the takeover of the strategic security building by honking the
horns of their vehicles and firing into the air.
They then proceeded to ransack the centre and destroy
posters of the fugitive Gaddafi they found inside.
In contrast to yesterday when NTC forces were pounded
with rockets and gunfire as they battled Gaddafi loyalists
street by street in the Mediterranean city, they met no
resistance at all today as they edged into the city centre.
An advance force of about 30 fighters checked each house
as they moved forward from the city`s east early today,
kicking in doors and giving each other cover from possible
snipers hidden on rooftops, an AFP reporter said.
Clothing abandoned by soldiers and remains of meals were
found in some of the buildings.
The fighters became more cautious once they reached the
city centre, sticking to its edges for fear that snipers were
lying in wait inside and on top of the many tall buildings.
They then converged on the police headquarters, expecting
a battle but found it deserted.
PTI
