(SIRT, Libya) — With NATO warplanes circling overhead, revolutionary fighters battled block by block Saturday as snipers rained fire from rooftops in fierce street fighting in Muammar Gaddafi's hometown — the most important remaining bastion of support for the fugitive leader.

The battle for Sirt is crucial because Libya's new leaders have promised to declare liberation after it is captured even though fighting continues elsewhere and Gaddafi remains on the run. That will allow them to move forward with setting a timeline for elections and establishing normalcy in the oil-rich North African nation.

Revolutionary forces launched a major attack on Friday, pushing into the Mediterranean coastal city from the west, east and south after a three week siege from the outskirts in which they said they were giving civilians time to flee. Gaddafi forces also remain entrenched in the central city of Bani Walid, but the transitional leaders say they will declare liberation without it because Sirt's fall will give them control over all seaports and harbors.