Smoke rises from a once-residential area of Sirte as the battle for Gaddafi's hometown rages on.<br/> Libyan government forces brought more tanks into the city on Friday to break down last pockets of resistance by Gaddafi loyalists.<br/> They say the loyalists now only control a small residential area just one and a half kilometres wide.<br/> But despite being surrounded on all sides Gaddafi's remaining forces continute to inflict dozens of casualties with rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and small arms.<br/> Snipers pose a particular threat for government forces.<br/> NTC officers say loyalists fear reprisals if they give themselves up.<br/> While the NTC tightens its grip on the city, the lenghty battle has cost scores of lives and left thousands homeless.<br/> It has also held up the attemt by Libya's new leaders to establish a democratic government.<br/> Sunita Rappai, Reuters
