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Bani Walid lies 180 km southwest of Tripoli. It's home base for Libya's largest Warfalla tribe. It remained loyal to Gaddafi during fighting last year.
Bani Walid fighters are resisting best they can. At least 10 deaths are confirmed and dozens of injuries. The Al-Mardoum valley is most affected. It's being defended valiantly.
Two earlier attempts this year to take over the city failed. For months it was independent and militia free. Residents assumed responsibility for local security. They're battling to keep what militias and GNC officials want to destroy.
On October 19, Mathaba headlined "Full Assault on Bani Walid Underway," saying:
GNC Resolution No. 7 enacted on September 27 calls for army units to arrest those responsible for Omran Shaban's death. Ground forces attacked the city. Numerous casualties were reported on both sides.
Army commander al-Gandus claimed his troops began entering Bani Walid. They're heading for the center of town, he said. He claimed winning this fight will free Libya. Residents know he has something else in mind.
Regime officials are largely silent. They said little about their belligerent plans. Expect illegal chemical use again on city residents.
Around 2,000 army forces are involved. Militia fighters supplement their numbers. Casualties on both sides could be high. Bani Walid resident Ibrahim Warfalli denied official reports.
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