Libya conflict: Rebels claim Zawiya and Zlitan

They say they have seized Zlitan, 160km (100 miles) east of the capital, and Zawiya, about 30km west of Tripoli, following fierce battles on Friday.

The government denies the rebel claims, saying the army is in control in both cities, Reuters news agency reports.

Meanwhile, plans are being made to evacuate many foreigners from Tripoli.

'Big celebration'

"The fighters have liberated Zlitan and they are fighting west of the city," Munir Ramzi of the opposition Misrata Military Council was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.

Thirty-one rebels were killed and 120 wounded in heavy fighting which lasted for much of Friday, he said.

The city represents a key position in the path from nearby Misrata, which until recently was besieged by Col Gaddafi's forces, to Tripoli.

In Zawiya, Hussein Azzwaik, an oil engineer involved in the uprising, told the BBC the rebels had "pushed Col Gaddafi's forces all the way out of Zawiya".

"We are just having a big celebration right now in the city centre."

Capturing the town cuts the main road from Tripoli to Tunisia, severing the principal supply route for Col Gaddafi's forces; Kazinform cites BBC.

To learn more go to www.bbc.co.uk