The battle for Sirte – in pictures

National Transitional Council fighters take cover behind a sand dune as smoke rises from the city in the distance Photograph: Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images

NTC fighters return fire at sniper positions Photograph: Keystone/Rex Features

Burning vehicles are scattered around the city as the fighting intensifies Photograph: Mohamed Messara/EPA

Spent bullet casings litter the ground as rebels advance on Sirte's Ouagadougou conference centre Photograph: Keystone/Rex Features

Rebel fighters run for cover as they advance Photograph: Manu Brabo/AP

Rebel fighters close in Photograph: Mohamed Messara/EPA

Rebels advance into Sirte Photograph: Mohamed Messara/EPA

The sign reads: 'Sirte welcomes you' Photograph: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images

Forces loyal to Libya's new regime take cover from sniper and artillery fire as they besiege the fortress-like Ouagadougou conference centre Photograph: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images

Captured Gaddafi loyalists, found hiding in the Ibn Sina hospital in the centre of Sirte, are taken captive Photograph: Anis Mili/Reuters

A rebel's victory pose in a commandeered Cadillac Photograph: Anis Mili/Reuters

Libyan National Transitional Council fighters take a breather in an office after seizing control of the University of Sirte Photograph: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images

An injured Gaddafi loyalist is led from the Ibn Sina hospital after his capture Photograph: Anis Mili/Reuters

Libyan rebels fire a rocket as they enter Sirte Photograph: Mohamed Messara/EPA

Anti-Gaddafi fighters fire shots into the air after taking control of the Ouagadougou conference centre in Sirte Photograph: Anis Mili/Reuters

Libyan revolutionary fighters take cover from sniper fire while attacking pro-Gaddafi forces beside the conference centre Photograph: Bela Szandelszky/AP

An NTC fighter inspects a room at Gaddafi's Sirte palace, partly destroyed by Nato air raids according to forces Photograph: Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images

A pro-Gaddafi fighter is handed a drink after he was captured by anti-Gaddafi forces at the Ibn Sina hospital in Sirte Photograph: Saad Shalash/Reuters

Libyan rebel fighters during heavy battles in Sirte Photograph: Mohamed Messara/EPA

A hat that belonged to a member of Gaddafi's forces lies on the ground amid spent bullet cartridges during heavy clashes outside the state security compound Photograph: Asmaa Waguih/Reuters