Libyan provisional government fighters say they have captured the main buildings of a convention center in former leader Moammar Gadhafi's hometown, Sirte.

National Transitional Council fighters said Sunday they are now in control of the center that Gadhafi loyalists had used as their main base of operation.

On Saturday, NTC fighters faced stiff resistance from pro-Gadhafi snipers as they advanced into Sirte. A sandstorm also made the advance by NTC forces more difficult.

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