Libyan rebels said on Wednesday they had fought off a counter-attack on their positions around Zlitan, a town they hope will pave the way for an advance on the capital, Tripoli.
Tuesday’s assault by forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi led to fierce street battles that killed at least seven rebels, exposing the fragility of gains by rebels who are fighting on several fronts but are frequently out-gunned and out-manoeuvred.
Five months into their uprising, despite winning increasing international support and enjoying the backing of NATO bombing raids on pro-Gadhafi forces, the eastern-based rebels have failed to make a breakthrough in ending Gadhafi’s 41-year rule.