Libyan rebels have broken the government siege of two western mountain towns, a rebel commander said, while Nato pounded 10 targets across the country.

More than 400 people have gone missing in east Libya since the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi began six weeks ago.

RUSSIAN Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said a UN resolution authorising military action in Libya resembled “medieval calls for crusades” after Western forces launched a second wave of air strikes.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the world is waiting to see whether Muammar Gaddafi’s forces begin to retreat from opposition-controlled areas in east Libya.