Libya's provisional government fighters are regrouping in final attempt to gain control of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi hometown of Sirte.

The National Transitional Council fighters say pro-Gadhafi's forces are cornered in an area of about two square kilometers.

Doctors at a field hospital say at least two NTC fighters were killed and at least 23 wounded in the fighting Thursday.

NTC fighters said they had to retreat in part of the town on Thursday after coming under heavy artillery fire.

Revolutionary forces have made significant recent advances in Sirte, seizing the town's police headquarters on Tuesday. Days earlier, the fighters gained control of the main hospital, the university and the convention center that Gadhafi loyalists had used as their main base of operation.

NTC officials have said the capture of Sirte will allow them to declare the country liberated, because it will mean the provisional government controls all of Libya's ports and harbors.

Sirte is 360 kilometers east of Libya's capital, Tripoli, and has served as a center of support for Mr. Gadhafi. Provisional government forces have been trying to take the town for three weeks.