Tripoli: Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi Tuesday launched four air strikes on the eastern city of Ajdabiya, the only town with a sizeable population before the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, Xinhua reported, citing Al Jazeera TV.
Ajdabiya, which is reportedly controlled by rebels, first came under attack by government forces Monday.
Ajdabiya is close to Brega, which the Libyan army said it had recaptured from the rebels.
If Gaddafi`s forces manage to capture Ajdabiya and other nearby cities, they could advance on to the opposition stronghold of Benghazi, the channel said.
Libya has been facing anti-government protests since Feb 14. Protesters are demanding the ouster of Gaddafi, who has ruled the country for almost 42 years.
According to an estimate, over 6,000 people have died in the clashes.
Bureau Report
