Gadhafi hometown of Sirte about to fall to rebels

SIRTE, Libya, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Fighters loyal to Libya's National Transitional Council said Wednesday they are just hours away from control of ousted leader Moammar Gadhafi's home town.

The fighters have advanced deep into Sirte, taking the university, conference center, hospital and main police station, Britain's Sky News reported.

Sky News correspondent Alex Rossi said supporters of Col. Gadhafi are holed up in just one area of the city known as District 2.

"It is believed that senior members of the Gadhafi regime have been here and were resisting so much because they know what fate awaits them." Rossi said.

Sirte is the last city with a seaport under the former Libyan leader's control.

One of Gadhafi's sons is believed to be hiding in Sirte.

Field Commander Ibrahim Ashour of the National Transitional Council told CNN that his forces control 90 percent of the city but are encountering stiff resistance in securing the rest of it.