Fighting erupts around Sirte port: commander

SIRTE: Fighting erupted Monday between troops of Libya's new rulers and diehards of Moamer Kadhafi near the port of Sirte, the hometown of the former strongman, a commander told AFP.

"Our forces are fighting near the port to take control of it. It is still not under our control," said Commander Mustafa bin Dardef of the Zintan brigade which is attached to the National Transitional Council, the new ruling body of Libya.

The capturing of the port, located in eastern Sirte, would be a big victory for the anti-Kadhafi forces, Dardef said, adding that there was demand for more troops to back the fighters clashing with Kadhafi diehards.

Dardef also said that NTC fighters had taken control of the Hotel Mahari in Sirte. It was unclear where exactly the hotel was located and how big it was.

Earlier Monday, NTC fighters captured a large weapons cache belonging to Kadhafi forces on the eastern outskirts of Sirte.

The battle for Sirte has intensified in the past few days with NATO carrying out raids for the third consecutive day on Monday. (AFP)