Libya: Phone footage shows Gaddafi fighters scud launch

Footage found on a mobile phone belonging to a fighter loyal to Muammar Gaddafi on Friday purportedly shows the launch of a scud missile from the former leaders hometown of Sirte.The video was obtained when National Transitional Council (NTC) forces overtook a site previously held by Gaddafi loyalists in the city.In August, a NATO warplane shot down a scud missile fired from the coastal city where Gaddafis forces have been battling a rebellion against the long-time leader.Forces loyal to Gaddafi have fired the Soviet-made scuds during Libyas civil war, and NATO has targeted the rockets in the past.The military alliance says the highly inaccurate rockets pose a serious threat to civilians in Libya, but do not have significant military potential.Last month, NATO said its air strikes in Libya destroyed two scud missiles that were part of the deposed leaders arsenal near Bani Walid.In recent days, fierce street fighting has overtaken the once sleepy fishing town of Sirte as NTC forces battled Gaddafi supporters.The street battles have stalled the Libyan government forces push for one of Gaddafis last bastions. Libyans ended Gaddafis 42-year rule in August when rebel fighters stormed the capital Tripoli.However, Gaddafi and several of his sons are still at large, and his supporters continue to hold Sirte and the town of Bani Walid, south of Tripoli.Taking Sirte is of huge symbolic importance to Libyas new rulers, and until it is captured they are putting on hold plans to start rebuilding the oil-producing North African state.