Libya's provisional government fighters faced stiff resistance on Saturday from Moammar Gadhafi's loyalists in two towns.
National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters encountered a barrage of rocket and artillery fire as they tried to push into Mr. Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte. However, Reuters news agency says NTC fighters managed to seize Herawa, a small town about 60 kilometers from Sirte.
The NTC fighters are also waging a fierce battle for Bani Walid, another stronghold for Gadhafi loyalists.
Meanwhile, Turkey says it is parachuting 22 tons of humanitarian aid into Bani Walid. The government said Saturday the aid is for civilians in the region who are in urgent need of help.
On Friday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Libya in a show of support for the fledgling government.
Also Friday, the United Nations Security Council lifted some sanctions and eased others on Libya. The move took place hours after Libya's seat in the U.N. General Assembly was given to the National Transitional Council.