LIBYAN rebel forces yesterday entered the oil town of Brega and fought street battles there with forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, a rebel spokesman said, in the biggest offensive in eastern Libya in weeks.

BRITISH jets hit a military barracks in the Libyan capital early yesterday, further intensifying NATO pressure on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to end his 42-year rule.

Nato fighter jets struck the harbour in Tripoli bombing runs overnight, damaging five coast guard boats and a warship, the Libyan government said today.

Nato airstrikes hit two government buildings in the Libyan capital Tripoli today.

Troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have unleashed heavy shelling on Misrata, pushing troops and tanks into the rebel-held western city, a witness said.

Muammar Gaddafi’s forces have launched a powerful attack in a bid to recapture a rebel-held city in fierce fighting which left at least 18 people dead.

Pro-Gaddafi forces have fired tear gas at protesters marching in the capital Tripoli.

Fighters loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have set up checkpoints in Tripoli, searching cars, ahead of planned anti-government protests raising fears of new bloodshed in the Libyan capital.

The West sent its first real aid to Libyan rebels today hoping to support their bid to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi.

Militias loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have opened fire on protesters streaming out of mosques and marching across the Libyan capital.