Libyan tribal leaders are trying to get rebels in the city of Misrata to lay down their arms within 48 hours, a government official said early today, after a day of fierce clashes between opposition fighters and Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.

Government troops retreated to the outskirts of Misrata under rebel fire today and the opposition claimed victory after officials in Tripoli decided to pull back forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi following nearly two months of laying siege to the western city.

US senator John McCain called for increased military support for Libya’s rebels, including weapons, training and stepped-up airstrikes, in a full-throated endorsement of the opposition in its fight to oust Muammar Gaddafi.

FIVE men were arrested, including the son of a high-ranking Libyan police officer, after a woman claimed she was raped and tortured by men connected to Colonel Gaddafi’s regime, Sky News has reported.

French planes are reportedly flying over Libya after world leaders decided the time for urgent action against Colonel Gaddafi has come.