Libyans fleeing Sirte

HUNDREDS of civilians have fled Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte to escape growing shortages of food and medicine and escalating fears that their homes will be hit during fighting between revolutionaries forces and regime loyalists.

Anti-Gaddafi fighters launched their offensive against Sirte nearly two weeks ago, but have faced continued fierce resistance.

After a bloody push into Sirte again over the weekend, revolutionary fighters say they have pulled back to plan their assault and allow civilians more time to flee.

Nato said yesterday its warplanes struck eight military targets near Sirte on Sunday, including an ammunition and vehicle storage facility and rocket launcher.

The town, 250 miles southeast of Tripoli on the Mediterranean coast, is one of the last remaining bastions of Gaddafi loyalists.

The fugitive leader’s supporters also remain in control of the town of Bani Walid, south east of Tripoli, and pockets of territory in the country’s south.

Civilians fleeing Sirte yesterday described grave shortages of food, fuel, drinking water and medicine.