Defected officer speaks of fighting in Gaddafi's army
Fighters in the Libyan rebel enclave of Misrata have been continuing efforts to try to break out of the port through army lines.
They believe the end of Colonel Gaddafi's regime is closer.
As well as controlling the eastern third of Libya and more of the port of Misrata, rebel forces said they have taken parts of the coastal oil centre of Zawiya just beyond Tripoli.
Control of the city also would cut one of Muammar Gaddafi's last supply routes from Tunisia.
David Loyn reports.