(CNN) -- Ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte will fall soon, perhaps within days, commanders of the anti-Gadhafi operation told U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Friday, according to a senior U.S. defense official traveling with him. Panetta met during the morning with the commanders at the naval base that hosts the U.S. Sixth Fleet in Italy, the official said. The commanders said they have no reason to believe Gadhafi can exercise command and control of those militia members who remain loyal to him, the official said. They further believe that, although the anti-Gadhafi forces are gaining the ability to exercise control, they will likely need training to develop their capabilities, the official said.
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Deputy head of Tripoli Military Council resigns
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Anti-Gadhafi commanders: No reason to believe Gadhafi can exercise command
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Revolutionary fighters launched a western Sirte offensive
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Gadhafi's men have put up resistance in Sirte and Bani Walid for weeks
The council's leader and the interim prime minister have promised to step down to clear the way for a new government once @placeholder is taken.