As Libyan provisional government fighters push into the center of former leader Moammar Gadhafi's hometown, Sirte, the head of the National Transitional Council says he expects the last Gadhafi strongholds to fall within the week.”

NTC chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil said Sunday the anti-Gadhafi fighters have made huge gains in Sirte and Bani Walid, southeast of the capital.

In Sirte, NTC fighters say they are in control of convention center buildings that Gadhafi loyalists had used as their main base of operation. They also claim to have seized Sirte's main hospital and the university. But fierce 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 as a center of support for Mr. Gadhafi. Provisional government fighters have been trying to move into the town for three weeks.ok