Libya's defence minister has arrived in Bani Walid, a former stronghold of the Gaddafi regime, after four people were killed in fighting there on Monday.
Osama al-Juwali wants to negotiate with militiamen who drove those loyal to the National Transitional Council into the surrounding desert, officials say.
Locals have told the BBC 90% of the town is under the militiamen's control.
In case Mr Juwali is unsuccessful, NTC forces armed with artillery and rockets have gathered outside, ready to attack.
However, one commander was overheard telling his men that they were there "for the purposes of reconciliation, not fighting".
bbc.com
