Sirte has both symbolic and practical importance in Libya鈥檚 conflict. It is Qaddafi鈥檚 hometown, and one of two of his strongholds, together with Tripoli. Residents of Sirte are fiercely loyal to Qaddafi, who has showered the city with development projects and wealth since becoming Libya鈥檚 leader. When Qaddafi decided to decentralize the country鈥檚 administration, he moved several of the offices from Tripoli to Sirte, all but a couple of them to Sirte.
Sirte is also a major stop along Libya鈥檚 coastal highway, which is the main way to travel between the country鈥檚 east and west 鈥� making it a gateway to the west in much the sameway that Ajdabiya is a gateway to the east. In order for the rebels to travel further along the highway and link up with rebels in Misratah, for example, they would need to take control of Sirte.
