The world moved a step closer to a decision on imposing a no-fly zone over Libya but Muammar Gaddafi was swiftly advancing on the poorly equipped and loosely organised rebels who have seized much of the country.

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi tightened his grip on the coastal road linking his territory to the rebel-controlled east today, pushing forward the front line in Libya's gruelling internal conflict.

Doctors in Libya are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of casualties, mostly civilians, the International Red Cross says.

Libyan warplanes have launched multiple air strikes on opposition fighters regrouping at an oil port on the Mediterranean coast.

Libyan helicopter gunships fired on a rebel force advancing west toward the capital along the Mediterranean coastline today and forces loyal to leader Muammar Gaddafi fought intense ground battles with the rival fighters.