Attacks on Sirte continue

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Libya's interim government stepped up assaults on Sirte Friday, one of the last remaining Gaddafi holdouts.
Forces loyal to the National Transition Council fired rockets and grenades from the east, west and south of the city.
Despite the offensive, snipers and counter-attacks from pro-Gaddafi forces prevented NTC troops from entering the city centre.
Doctors at a nearby hospital describe the casualties.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FIELD HOSPITAL DOCTOR NOURI AL-NOUEIRI
''Today was a bloody day, we received around 151 casualties, most of the wounds were in the neck, chest and head and we had also among these 12 martyrs and most of these cases were as the result of sniper (fire).''
Civilians and pro-Gaddafi forces have blamed NATO and NTC troops for endangering and killing those caught in the cross-fire.
United Nations officials in Tripoli say preserving justice and safety for civilians remaining in the city is paramount.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) IAN MARTIN, UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL ENVOY ON POST-CONFLICT PLANNING FOR LIBYA, SAYING:
"... there's a question of how the fighting ends. There's no doubt that fighters from the NTC, who have themselves witnessed gross human rights violations by Gaddafi forces, are fighting against the hardcore of those forces and it's extremely important that the fighting ends in a way that respects the goals of the leadership of the NTC, not to take revenge."
For now, as civilians continue to flee the city, and NTC forces continue their push to the overtake it, Sirte remains the focus of the battle.
Julie Noce, Reuters