Gaddafi troops assault Ajdabiya and Misrata, rebels claim attacks repelled

While Government soldiers have surrounded and made their first ground assault on Ajdabiya, tanks and artillery are already pounding Misrata, the only major rebel-held western city and Libya's third largest city.

After regaining several towns in recent days, Col Muammar Gaddafi's allies report they are now in control of Ajdabiya. Rebel leaders said the assault had been repelled and that they also still controlled the road to Benghazi, Libya's second city.

Rebel fighters also denied claims that they have been forced from Misrata.

The advance by troops loyal to Libya's leader comes ahead of the UN Security Council discussing a no-fly zone.

In the meantime, rebel leaders who rose up against Libya's long-time leader in February demanding political reforms are calling on the international community to prevent pro-Gaddafi forces from using aircraft against them.

The UK, France and Lebanon have called for this in a draft resolution, while countries such as the US, Russia, China and Germany are understood to harbour doubts about the wisdom of getting involved.

The Arab League has backed the idea but Tuesday's meeting of G8 foreign ministers in Paris failed to do so.