Fighters for Libya's interim rulers have entered Muammar Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte, braving heavy rocket and machine-gun fire in a "surprise" assault that one commander said would lead to the city's fall.
At a makeshift field hospital in a mosque west of Sirte, Dr Fatih Danini reported two NTC fighters were killed and 30 wounded in an apparent pincer movement also launched from the south and east.
Using tanks and pick-up trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, the NTC forces cleared away roadblocks set up by Gaddafi forces and drove towards the city centre.
Heavy fighting also raged in Bani Walid, the only other remaining bastion of pro-Gaddafi diehards, as medics reported that a total of 30 NTC troops have been killed so far on that front.
A radio station loyal to the fallen Gaddafi regime called for a gathering at one of Bani Walid's squares, following a similar call for people to rise up for the "liberation" of the town by Gaddafi's most prominent sons, Saif al-Islam.
On the political front, the NTC held talks on forming a new government amid doubts over whether disagreements that prevented a deal last week can be overcome.
Abdel Jalil, the head of the NTC, told a news conference that the make-up of Libya's interim government would be made public within a week.
The birth of a new government had been due last Sunday, but was postponed indefinitely because of haggling over portfolios.
One official insisted today's meeting would be "decisive," but another expressed doubts that differences could be overcome.
After talks failed on Sunday, NTC number two Mahmud Jibril said much had been achieved and that he expected consultations to be "over quickly".
At the time, there were expectations that Mr Jibril, a former Gaddafi official, would keep his post as interim premier, while Ali Tarhuni was touted to become vice president in charge of economic affairs.
The defence portfolio was expected to go to Osama al-Juwili and oil to Abdel Rahman bin Yezza.
The NTC is also expected to look into getting women and young people into major roles as deputy ministers and directors general of ministries.
On the ground, NATO said it was nearing the "final phase" of its air war in Libya, and said its only key hits yesterday were in the Sirte area - a command and control centre, an ammunition dump, an anti-aircraft gun and armed vehicles.
While Libya's new authorities do not know where Gaddafi is, they are focused on taking Sirte and Bani Walid, two places where some think he might be.
But reports have also emerged that he may be in the south.
