Bani Walid Live Blog

Al Jazeera's James Bays reports from the capital Tripoli, about the mood after NTC fighters seized Bani Walid:

There are some celebrations here but somewhat of a restrained mood from the National Transitional Council. They are still stressing the point that there are pockets of resistance, and although fighters are in the city centre, there will still be a few hours until they have 100 per cent control of the town.

Sirte now remains the last place for the NTC to control.. and a last place where key Gaddafi loyalists are taking a last stand.

It is now two months since the fall of Tripoli and it is important to note that none of the Gaddafi family have been captured.

Libya's ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) says its fighters have captured the town of Bani Walid, one of two last remaining strongholds of ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley reports from Bani Walid:

We are very much in the centre of Bani Walid. They came through here just over an hour ago and they are saying this is an almost complete liberation of the town. some pockets of resistance by pro-Gaddafi forces but by-and-large 95 per cent of the town is under their control. It's come after three days of pretty heavy fighting and they punched through from the north two days ago using a lot of heavy weapons and tanks. The gunfire of celebration is ringing out and they are going completely crazy here because they know this is sending a very clear message to those pro-Gaddafi elements who are still holding out in Sirte. Basically, there is nowhere left to go...  They hope that in the next few days, Sirte will go the same way.

Libyan NTC fighters have taken control of Bani Walid hospital after fierce fighting with Gaddafi troops.

Meanwhile, in concurrence with the fighting in Bani Walid, battles continue to rage in the southern front near the artificial river reservoir in al-Kassara district to which the fighters advanced after taking control of al-Garjoma district in south of Bani Walid.

In Sirte, NTC fighters have launched a fresh attack, using tanks and other heavy weaponry.

A number of NTC field commanders have earlier cited difficulties after fierce battles last Saturday, prompting their forced retreat.

The fighters have reorganised their ranks and launched a fresh offensive by tanks and artillery fire at Gaddafi troops, supported by additional reinforcements, besides ongoing NATO air raids on sites where Gaddafi troops were hiding.

NTC justice minister Mohamed al-Allaqi has reaffirmed that violations said to be committed by NTC fighters cited in an Amnesty International report, were "individual cases, not systematic behavior by NTC fighters".

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, Allaqi has also noted that the Libyan attorney general has added reports by civil rights organisations to the investigation file for the accusations.

Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr sends this update on the NTC's gains in Sirte.