Cairo, Mar 5 (PTI) Pro-Gaddafi forces were locked in a fierce battle with rebels in Libya's east to reclaim the lost territory as the regime scrambled hard to quell fresh protests in Tripoli, amid reports that at least 49 people were killed in the fighting and explosions in a military arms depot.
Rebel-held Az Zawiyah, just 50 kms west of Tripoli, was the subject of a fierce assault by forces still loyal to 68-year-old Muammar Gaddafi.
Heavy casualties were reported there and in other key cities, including the eastern port of Ras Lanuf.
Al-Jazeera quoting witnesses said today that at least 30 civilians were killed after security forces attempted to retake Az Zawiyah that has for days been defying Gaddafi's rule.