Muammar Gaddafi loyalists staged a show of support in the Libyan capital today, claiming the rebel insurgency is nearing its end.

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have shelled villages and towns to try to take control of the high ground in a western mountain range.

Thousands of Libyans are being forced to flee into Tunisia after forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi’s forces began shelling mountain towns in the west of the country Libya, rebel leaders said today.