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  • 14 years ago
Dizzy with happiness... an opposition army soldier spins circles in Bani Walid after helping capture one of the last remaining Gaddafi strongholds in Libya.
(SOUNDBITE)(Arabic) NTC MILITARY COMMANDER MOHAMMED SHAKONAH SAYING:
"Bani Walid has been completely liberated since last night. The brigades who are on the left and the right on this road have been forced to retreat, thank God. We took our positions in Bani Walid. And today we have completely combed Bani Walid."
The apparent capture of Bani Walid, one of Libya's last repositories of armed resistance, brings Libya's new rulers one step closer to being in full control of the country.
The town had been under siege for weeks, as transition leaders negotiated with tribes loyal to Gaddafi for it's surrender.
After Monday night's capture, interim government soldiers, not residents, were seen celebrating in the streets.
But in Sirte, Gaddafi forces hang on.
Field officers say they are flushing out the last pockets of resistance.
Interim leaders say they will only begin the transition to democracy, after all strongholds have been captured.
Julie Noce, Reuters
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