Libyans fighting to oust embattled leader Muammar Gaddafi have taken control of Az Zawiyah, a city in the northwest of the country, local media said on Sunday.

Pro-Gaddafi forces clashed with the rebels in Az Zawiyah, about 40 kilometers west of Tripoli. The city houses the country's largest oil refinery. At least 50 civilians died in the clashes and dozens were wounded.

"This is our revolution," people chanted proclaiming Az Zawiyah another 'free city' like Benghazi and Misurata.

Violent nationwide protests demanding the end of Gaddafi's 42-year rule are currently raging across Libya. National authorities clamped down on the protests.

According to international organizations, between 600 and 1,000 people were killed and another 4,000 wounded in the clashes. The Libyan authorities have vowed to continue to suppress the opposition.

The UN refugee agency said some 100,000 people have fled riot-hit Libya during the past week.

CAIRO, February 27 (RIA Novosti)