Hundreds of Libyan provisional government fighters have launched an assault on the coastal city of Sirte, a day after saying they captured the other remaining stronghold of loyalists to former leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Pro-Gadhafi fighters have been hemmed into a small area of Sirte, where National Transitional Council forces have tried for weeks to gain control. NTC officials have said capturing Mr. Gadhafi's hometown would allow them to declare their country liberated.

On Monday, NTC officials said the desert town of Bani Walid was completely free of pro-Gadhafi fighters. Provisional government forces had launched a new assault Sunday on the town, about 170 kilometers southeast of the capital, Tripoli.

National Transitional Council officials said Monday the desert town was completely free of pro-Gadhafi fighters. NTC forces had launched a new assault Sunday on Bani Walid, about 170 kilometers southeast of the capital, Tripoli.