WADI DINAR, Libya — New fighting has flared in Libya between pro-government militia forces and fighters defending a stronghold of slain dictator Moammar Gadhafi's regime in a hilltop town.

Snipers took over tall buildings in the center of Bani Walid, some 140 kilometers (90 miles) southeast of Tripoli. They fired at pro-government militias on the town's outskirts.

The renewal follows a brief lull on Monday. A year after Gadhafi's overthrow, Libya is still fractured by rival militias, tribes and armed backers of the old regime.

Doctors fleeing Bani Walid told The Associated Press that the main hospital is not functioning. Foreign workers were seen walking 20 kilometers (12 miles) to escape the gunfire.

A pro-government militia commander said a final push to take over the town was delayed for fear of harming trapped civilians.