Fighting rages on the outskirts of Sirte.
Forces loyal to the National Transitional Council have been bombarding the hometown of Muammar Gaddafi for about three weeks.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FIELD COMMANDER, AHMAD AWAD, SAYING:
"Well, we have control of Abu Hadi area, the airport, and camp of the Saadi Brigade and it is all secure now. And now we are halting firing now to wait for the Red Cross to enter and secure the road for them."
Progress may be slow but aid agencies say delivering supplies is vital.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MEMBER OF ICRC STAFF, HISHEM KHADRAWY, SAYING:
"We had a short visit inside the town to deliver the oxygen and some medical items. We didn't go inside the hospital because of lack of time and security concerns.''
Some civilians say Gaddafi loyalists are forcibly recruiting locals to fight alongside them and preventing people from leaving.
There are also reports of pro-Gaddafi fighters hiding in residential areas, raising fears of vicious street battles ahead.
Lily Grimes, Reuters
