The Libyan revolutionary fighters resume struggle in Sirte

The Libyan revolutionary fighters have, following a brief ceasefire, resumed struggle against the pro-Muammar Gaddafi forces in the fugitive former dictator’s northern hometown of Sirte.

The truce, which ended on Sunday afternoon, had been declared by the opposition National Transitional Council (NTC) to allow civilians to leave the town.

Earlier reports revealed that long lines of vehicles carrying family members and their belongings were leaving the besieged city, AFP reported.

After the civilians left Sirte nearly deserted, heavy clashes erupted between the revolutionaries and Gaddafi’s loyalist on the city’s eastern frontlines.

The revolutionary forces have been surrounding the city for some three weeks.

Libya has been the scene of intense fighting between government troops and opposition fighters since the revolution seeking to topple Gaddafi began in mid-February.

Warplanes belonging to the US-led alliance of NATO have also been pounding the city.

Meanwhile, make-shift hospitals are struggling to cope with the large number of opposition fighters wounded at the front. Medicine is in short supply and there are not enough medical workers.