FOREIGN mercenaries and Libyan militiamen loyal to Muammar Gaddafi tried to roll back the uprising against his rule that has advanced closer to his stronghold in Tripoli, attacking two nearby cities in battles that killed at least 15 people.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi says al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden is behind the uprising which has plunged the country into chaos.