Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 15 / Trend A. İsgandarov /
The Libyan National Transitional Council's troops have managed to take control over the airport in the coastal city of Sirte, one of the last strongholds of Gaddafi supporters Al Jazeera TV channel reported.
The channel has recently reported about the NTC forces' entering Sirte -- Gaddafi's birthplace in 450 km east of Tripoli.
Mass demonstrations demanding for the ouster of Qaddafi, who has been ruling the country for more than 40 years, started in Libya in mid-February and subsequently grew into armed confrontation between the government forces and the rebels.On August 23, 2011, Gaddafi lost control of Tripoli, and effective control of Libya with the rebels' capture of the Bab al-Azizia compound.
NTC forces now control most of Libyan territory, including the capital Tripoli. They have been trying to take several cities controlled by pro-Gaddafi troops, including Bani Walid and Sirte.
Recently, anti-Gaddafi forces strengthened their attack on Bani Walid, supported by Nato air strikes. Officials say their forces are now within reach of the centre of the town.
Some members of Gaddafi's family have fled to Algeria. Several convoys of former Gaddafi loyalists are also said to have crossed over Libya's border with Niger recently.