Libya: Town loyal to Gadhafi under siege

TRIPOLI, Libya, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A deadline for Libyans loyal to deposed leader Moammar Gadhafi to surrender expired Saturday in the surrounded town of Bani Walid, opposition commanders said.

For almost two weeks, transitional forces fighters have been massing outside Bani Walid, where two of Gadhafi's sons are reportedly in hiding, CNN said. Repeated attempts at a peaceful resolution have failed between the rebels and Gadhafi loyalists.

Chief negotiator for the National Transitional Council, Abdalluh Kenshil told the U.S. broadcaster Gadhafi loyalists had fired rockets on rebel positions late Friday. Another spokesman said it was now up to military leaders to take action.

Opposition forces have made brief forays into the town in the past few days, but withdrew in the face of heavy gunfire, the report said.

Bani Walid is one of three cities refusing to accept the new interim government. The other two are Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte and Sabha.

The whereabouts of Gadhafi wasn't known, although Interpol issued an international arrest warrant for him Friday to face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.