Libyan forces push rebels back

Forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi have renewed their assault against opposition fighters in Libya. As the military accelerates its onslaught, the rebels appear to be losing their grip over several cities that they had earlier taken control of.

In Az Zawiyah, near the capital Tripoli, the government says it controls the city centre, but fierce clashes were reported earlier in the day. In Brega, a key oil and gas hub, fighters have reported multiple airstrikes by government forces. The hospital there is attending to many of the wounded.

In Ras Lanuf, another oil town, government forces are pushing hard - showering the city with rockets and tank shells - and forcing the rebels to retreat 15 kilometres to the east.

Al Jazeera's Imran Khan reports.