Libya's armed forces are targeting unarmed civilians to take control of the rebel-held city of Zawiyah, media reports said on Wednesday.
Libyan forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi attacked anti-regime protesters with machine guns and rocket- propelled grenades at a mosque in Zawiyah leaving nearly 100 people dead, as outraged western nations on Friday prepared to slap sanctions against Tripoli.
Libyan jets pummeled rebel-held Ras Lanuf and took control of oil town of Zawiyah, amid growing global pressure on Muammar Gaddafi to quit as France became the first country to recognise the opposition National Council.
Embattled Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was pushed further to the brink as opposition forces stormed closer to the capital Tripoli and the international community stepped up pressure on him to leave the country to bring an end to the fighting that has claimed at least 1,000 lives.
Pro-Gaddafi forces were locked in a fierce battle with rebels in Libya's east to reclaim the lost territory as the regime scrambled hard to quell fresh protests in Tripoli, amid reports that at least 49 people were killed in the fighting and explosions in a military arms depot.
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