Libyan forces push into Gadhafi's hometown Sirte

Hundreds of revolutionary fighters pushed into Muaamar Gadhafi's hometown Saturday in the first significant assault in about a week as Libya's new rulers try to rout remaining loyalists of the fugitive leader. At the same time, the political leadership sought to boost its authority, promising to announce an interim government.  

Explosions rocked the city of Sirte and smoke rose into the sky as Gadhafi's forces fired mortars and rocket-propelled grenades at the fighters. Ambulances sped from the direction of the front line, and a doctor said at least one fighter was killed and 25 others wounded in the battle.  

The two sides have been locked in a standoff since former rebels tried to advance on the city a week ago but were repelled by fierce resistance. More than months since the then-rebels swept into Tripoli and pushed Gadhafi out of power, they are still struggling to overcome his remaining strongholds in the center of the country and the south.       

In the capital Tripoli, a series of explosions went off at a warehouse for military vehicles near the harbor Saturday afternoon and heavy black smoke poured out of the facility. The cause was not immediately known. One revolutionary fighter at the scene, Alaa Dali, said it may have been an accident but raised the possibility it was sabotage by Gadhafi loyalists.  

On the other hand a huge plume of smoke filled the sky over Tripoli’s harbor area where explosions were loudly heard. Sources reported that it was not clear what caused these explosions.