Libyan provisional government fighters are engaged in intense battles with former leader Moammar Gadhafi's loyalists in his hometown.

Witnesses say heavy artillery fire has rocked Sirte as the National Transitional Council fighters try to widen their hold. Friday's fighting has been centered around the Ouagadougou conference center, where pro-Gadhafi fighters are based.

The provisional government fighters have been battling for control of Sirte for three weeks. They have predicted they will gain full control within the next few days.

Commanders of NATO operations in Libya also believe pro-Gadhafi fighters are on the verge of defeat. A senior U.S. defense official said Friday that NATO commanders believe Gadhafi no longer commands forces loyal to him.

Sirte, located about 360-kilometers east of Tripoli, is one of the few remaining holdouts for the former leader's loyalists.

Medical workers said Friday that at least eight NTC fighters had been killed in the Sirte offensive and more than 100 wounded.