Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi attacked the rebel-held town of Zuwarah in northwestern Libya on Monday, Al-Jazeera satellite TV channel reported.
According to witnesses, forces came from eastern, western and southern directions. They moved to the center of town pushing rebel forces out of it.
Military forces also launched air strikes on the Libyan towns of Ajdabiya and Brega on Monday. The rebels said that they would staunchly defend themselves and would not let Gaddafi's forces enter the town of Benghazi where opposition forces set up the National Council.
Thousands of Libyans have been killed since the first anti-governmental protests broke out on February 15 with people demanding the end of Gaddafi's 42-year rule.
Arab League foreign ministers voted on Saturday to ask the UN Security Council to impose a no-fly zone over Libya.
The Arab League also voted to open channels of communication with a Libyan rebel council based in Benghazi and extend formal recognition to the rebel movement.
CAIRO, March 14 (RIA Novosti)
