The Libyan rebels led by the Benghazi-based Transitional National Council have started a counter-offensive to help their comrades in Ajdabiya crush a siege of that city by troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
Rebel leaders say that once left without planes or tanks, the Gaddafi regime will quickly crumble.
Gaddafi, meantime, stays defiant and pledges everything in his power to defend his country against what he calls a Western aggression.
Civilian volunteers are welcome to take up arms and join a popular militia. Gaddafi hopes this force can grow to at least one million in the coming days.