After what is being described as "a fierce battle", National Transitional Council fighters have advanced to the southern gate of Bani Walid, the stronghold of Muammar Gaddafi loyalists.
However, a lack of co-ordination led to a heavy toll, as many of the fighters were killed or seriously injured by those still loyal to deposed Libyan leader.
Now based out of the nearby town of Shameekh, the anti-Gaddafi forces say they will capture the northern Libyan city at any cost.
Al Jazeera's Anu Nathan explains.