Here's the latest update of what is happening on the ground in Libya (Al Jazeera):

Libyan fighters have said they are waiting for civilians to escape from Sirte, the hometown and stronghold of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, before they start their final advance.

Several attempts by National Transitional Council's (NTC) fighters to take Sirte and Bani Walid, two of Gaddafi's remaining major strongholds, in the past week have ended in disarray and panicked retreat.

Fighters making their way back from the front line said they met fierce resistance at Khamseen, 50km east of Sirte, and that they lacked the firepower to respond.

In Bani Walid, NTC forces moved tanks towards the frontline on Wednesday in an attempt to capture the town.

"Of course it will certainly help us a lot in the final battle. You have seen these tanks. There are also Grads and we will use them by putting them in the front," Abdul Salaam Ganuna, an NTC commander, said.

Charley Noble