Clashes flare at Gaddafi strongholds, son in Niger

LIBYA: Fighters backing the new regime in Libya clashed with forces loyal to Moamer Gaddafi at Bani Walid and moved closer to Sirte as one of Gaddafi's sons arrived in Niger.

As fighting continued, Mahmud Jibril, deputy head of the National Transitional Council, said in Libyan capital Tripoli on Sunday that a new transitional government would be formed within 10 days.

Rebel forces were still "in the process of liberating Libya, and revolutionary combatants are still on the fronts," Jibril said. Another government would be formed once "Libya is liberated", he added. In Bali Walid, an AFP correspondent said at least three fighters were killed and 15 wounded in skirmishes on the outskirts of the town.

Forces loyal to Libya's new rulers have gathered there awaiting the signal to storm the oasis town.

NTC interim leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil on Saturday gave the green light to attack Bani Walid southeast of Tripoli, Gaddafi's hometown Sirte to the east and Sabha in the deep south. The deadline for pro-Gaddafi enclaves to surrender had passed, he said.

The whereabouts of Moamer Gaddafi remain a mystery but in Niger, government spokesman and Justice Minister Marou Amadou announced that Saadi Gaddafi had arrived there Sunday.

Near Bani Walid, Monday, AFP