Libyan fighters press Kadafi loyalists in Surt

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REPORTING FROM SURT, LIBYA -- Forces of Libya’s transitional government pounded holdout positions of Moammar Kadafi loyalists in the ousted leader’s hometown of Surt on Friday, and fighting flared up in the capital for the first time in nearly two months.

In the coastal city of Surt, the attackers said pro-Kadafi troops were trapped in a few neighborhoods, and that it was just a matter of time for the last pockets of resistance to be overwhelmed. The fight for Surt has dragged on for almost a month after the provisional government predicted that it would be over in a few days.

Kadafi loyalist snipers and others ensconced in buildings and other hiding places have proved to be dogged and resilient fighters, and many apparently have no intention of surrendering even though they are outmanned and out-gunned.

In Tripoli, Kadafi loyalists reportedly raised a green flag, Kadafi’s symbol, and took up sniper positions in the Abu Salim neighborhood, which had long been a stronghold of the former leader. Gunfire echoed through the streets, news reports said.

Officials of the provisional government downplayed the incident. There was no immediate word on casualties. Still, it appeared to be the most significant pro-Kadafi mobilization in the capital since it fell to rebel forces in August, sending Kadafi and his entourage on the run and ending his almost 42-year reign.

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-- Ruth Sherlock