TRIPOLI - Libya's interim government said Saturday it will soon take control of the whole country as its troops are expected to reverse the ground situation in Sirte and other remaining bastions of pro-Gadhafi militants.

On Friday, troops of the interim government had to resort to a "tactical retreat" in Bani Walid and Sirte as a result of fierce resistance of Gadhafi loyalists, said Colonel Ahmed Omar Bani, military spokesman of the National Transitional Council (NTC).

But it would not be long before the NTC seizes these cities and the country's southern region, Bani told a press conference.

He said the interim government's forces had taken control of the northern part of Bani Walid, but their advance toward the city center was slowed by tough terrain and fierce resistance of pro-Gadhafi militants.