Forces loyal to Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi shelled rebel positions in the western city of Ajabiya and subsequently stormed into the city from two flanks, the Al Jazeera TV channel said on Saturday.
The attack came after the opposition fighters had attempted to make a push towards the oil town of Brega, 80 kilometers further west, earlier in the day.
After the Gaddafi forces’ shelling began, dozens of cars and military vehicles were seen leaving Ajdabiya.
During the attack, opposition forces pulled back and opened fire with their own heavy weapons to try to hold the town, which controls key roadways to the main opposition strongholds in eastern Libya.
At least three rebels were killed and two people injured, including a civilian, the AP said.
CAIRO, April 9 (RIA Novosti)