Magharebia

National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters on Tuesday (September 27th) claimed control of the Sirte port, AFP reported. The strategic victory comes a day after NTC fighters captured a large weapons cache on the eastern edge of the city.

"There were clashes in the night and we now are controlling the port," said Commander Mustafa bin Dardef of the NTC's Zintan Brigade.

NATO warplanes have been pounding radar facilities, ammunition stockpiles and other sites in Sirte, the birthplace of Kadhafi and home to pro-regime fighters. NTC fighters said they expect Kadhafi's remaining loyalists to put up fierce resistance as rebel forces press into the heart of the coastal city.