Heavy fighting has resumed in Libya for the loyalist-held coastal town of Sirte after a setback for anti-Gaddafi forces at Bani Walid, south-east of Tripoli.
Anti-Gaddafi fighters pushed forward at Sirte with machine guns and rockets but have met shellfire from loyalists.
Anti-Gaddafi forces at Bani Walid are regrouping after a retreat on Friday.
The BBC's Alastair Leithead, with the anti-Gaddafi forces near Sirte, said the fighters had advanced about another 10km (6 miles) towards the city.
He says there has been slow, steady and careful progress as there are strong defensive positions which the anti-Gaddafi forces have been bombarding, wearing down and then taking.
Our correspondent says the anti-Gaddafi forces are still some distance from the town's eastern gates, although they appear to be closer on the western and southern approaches.
There are unconfirmed reports that they have now taken full control of Harawa, 80km east of Sirte, after negotiating a surrender deal.
Just outside Sirte, a number of wounded militiamen were being treated at a petrol station and one doctor told Associated Press three anti-Gaddafi fighters had been killed on Saturday.
The Sirte representative of Libya's interim leadership, the National Transitional Council, Hassan Dourai, said: "There is no full control over Sirte."
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Libya conflict: Fierce fighting resumes for Sirte


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