In Libya, Interim Government Forces Make Gains In Sirte

NTC fighters have reportedly captured many of the main landmarks in Sirte.

Forces with Libya's interim government say they have made significant gains in the battle for control of the city of Sirte.

Fighters loyal to ousted leader Muammar Qaddafi are putting up fierce resistance in Sirte, Qaddafi's hometown, more than six weeks after the fall of the capital, Tripoli.

Libya's new leadership has said it will declare the country liberated from Qaddafi only after Sirte is captured.

On October 9, forces with the National Transitional Council (NTC) said they had seized control of a convention center which had been used as a base by Qaddafi loyalists, as well as the city's main hospital and the university.

Qaddafi supporters continue to hold the desert crossroads town of Bani Walid.

compiled from agency reports