Libyan provisional government fighters are engaged in an intense battle with well-armed loyalist troops at former leader Moammar Gadhafi's hometown, Sirte.

National Transitional Council fighters faced stiff resistance from pro-Gadhafi snipers on Saturday as they tried to advance into the town, which is one of the few remaining strongholds for Gadhafi loyalists. A sandstorm also made the NTC forces' advance more difficult.

The French news agency says NTC fighters seized control of a key road in Sirte which may help them push into the town's center.

Sirte is about 360 kilometers east of Tripoli, Libya's capital, and it has long been a center of support for Gadhafi . Provisional government fighters have been trying to move into the town for three weeks.