Battles rage on the outskirts of Sirte between forces of Libya's interim government and fighters loyal to ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi.<br/> The opposing fighters are locked in relentless combat across a makeshift barricade in a road about two kilometres west of the city centre.<br/> As mortars and missiles were launched in both directions, our Reuters crew was forced to take cover after the cameraman was nearly hit.<br/> And a Red Cross convoy carrying aid to relieve the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged city had to turn back when NTC fighters unleashed a barrage of gunfire.<br/> The International Committee of the Red Cross took some supplies into Sirte last week.<br/> But this time the fighting was too dangerous.<br/> Speaking just before the aborted attempt, a Red Cross official described the humanitarian situation in Gaddafi's hometown as 'dire'.<br/> Travis Brecher, Reuters
