Libya forces prepare for sweep of pro-Gadhafi town

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) -- Libyan militias operating alongside the defense ministry are readying their forces to advance on a city that remains a bastion of support for the ousted regime of Moammar Gadhafi.

Militia commander Faraj al-Swehli says dozens of families have fled Bani Walid in anticipation of an offensive. On Tuesday three fighters from neighboring Misrata were wounded in clashes during a surveillance operation near Bani Walid.

Al-Swehli has ordered his Tripoli-based militia, originally from Misrata, to join others who have surrounded parts of Bani Walid.

The government gave Bani Walid's leaders until Friday to handover suspects linked to the torture of Misrata resident Omran Shaaban.

Shaaban, hailed as the first rebel fighter to find Gadhafi last October, died of wounds he sustained at the hands of Bani Walid captors last week.