The other remaining stronghold is Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown. There, the rebel fighters face yet heavier resistance from Gaddafi loyalists.

Ali El-Garari, Fighter of Abou Selim Brigade, said, "On Saturday, there was heavy firing between us and them, and we managed to make them pull back. And now the distance between both us and them is 4 kilometers from the coastline. And God willing, we are fighting them in the Herawa area, which is 17 KM away from us, and the distance between Herawa and Sirte is between 65-70 KM. The clashes are within this area."

Anti-Gaddafi forces were pounding the area with heavy artillery and NATO warplanes were seen overhead. The fighters are still trying to exert their control over the entire country, nearly three weeks after storming into the capital. In Tripoli, the NTC announced they have arrested the head of Gaddafi's foreign intelligence service. As for the ousted leader, he remains on the run and his whereabouts are unknown.