Libya ex-rebels advance on Bani Walid again

Libyan revolutionary forces repelled an attack by Moammar Gadhafi loyalists on Sunday but faced fierce resistance from a valley separating them from the loyalist stronghold of Bani Walid, fighters said.

Explosions resounded across the area and smoke rose on the horizon as the two sides exchanged fire with rockets and anti-aircraft missiles.

Fighters said they made the push without orders from commanders Sunday after forces loyal to the fugitive leader shelled revolutionary lines at the northern gate of the sprawling town.

The two sides have clashed for days after former rebels made a push toward Bani Walid and Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte to try to break weeks of stalemate and crush the dug-in fighters loyal to the fugitive leader.

Families streamed out Sirte to escape the fighting. Rebels searching vehicles found many assault rifles and pistols.

Some people volunteered the weapons; others were confiscated. While Sirte would be a major symbolic prize, Bani Walid has proven particularly difficult for revolutionary forces.

-AP