Libyan rebel forces gave the residents of Bani Walid, a city held by pro-Moammar Gadhafi forces, two days to leave before they launch a full-scale assault, according to media reports.
Bani Walid, located some 100 miles south of the capital Tripoli, is one of the last bastions held by forces loyal to Gadhafi, whose regime was toppled weeks ago and is now in hiding. The only other major city held by loyalist forces is Sirte, Gadhafi’s hometown.
A spokesperson for the rebel-backed National Transitional Council, Ahmed Bani, told Al-Jazeera it is necessary for their forces to hold off on a full-scale attack. Recently, when rebel “forces entered Bani Walid, they found the Gadhafi brigades using citizens as shields,” he said.
Furthermore, snipers are perched on top of buildings, to ward off potential attackers, witnesses told The Associated Press. Apparently, Gadhafi forces allowed some of the civilians to leave before the assault.
A rebel fighter told AP that he believes the snipers are elite, well-trained soldiers belonging to the remnants of Gadhafi’s army. “They are very professional shooters. ... They know what they’re doing,” Jamal Bendella said.
Libya: Bani Walid Residents Told to Leave
Libyan rebel forces gave the residents of Bani Walid, a city held by pro-Moammar Gadhafi forces, two days to leave before they launch a full-scale assault
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