The Libyan forces opposed to Muammar Gadaffi have reached Bani Walid, one of only four towns still loyal to the Colonel. Skirmishes have been taking place on the ourskirts of the town. The rebels are still about two kms from the town's centre and one rebel commander said there could be anything upto 700 fighters loyal to Col. Gadaffi who are putting up resistance. Commanders say they have cleared outlying areas and are advancing towards the town centre and hope to have full control within the next few hours. Bani Walid and three other loyalist-held towns were given until Saturday to surrender but the anti-Gaddafi forces say they had to move against the town ahead of the deadline because they were coming under attack and wanted to protect civilians. The rebels say, they are engaged in street-to-street fighting with pro-Gaddafi forces. Fierce fighting has also been reported close to the Gaddafi-held city of Sirte , where the rebels say they have been responding to a barrage of rockets fired from the town. A number of former regime officials, including Gaddafi's spokesman Mussa Ibrahim, are believed to be holed up in Bani Walid.