Libyan provisional government fighters say they have pushed into the center of former leader Moammar Gadhafi's hometown, Sirte, capturing several areas once held by those loyal to the deposed autocrat.

National Transitional Council fighters said Sunday they are now in control of convention center buildings that Gadhafi loyalists had used as their main base of operation. NTC fighters also say they have seized Sirte's main hospital from pro-Gadhafi fighters. Battles still rage in the streets.

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 Libya's capital, Tripoli. Sirte has served a center of support for Mr. Gadhafi. Provisional government fighters have been trying to move into the town for three weeks.