Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi have launched air strikes and engaged in ground fighting with rebel forces advancing from the eastern part of the country.
Fighting in Libya is now well into its third week with both sides claiming successes.
Around the central town of Bin Jawwad, fighting intensified Sunday as government forces pushed back rebels who previously had gained ground.
Early in the day, Libya’s state television reported that pro-Gadhafi groups retook towns in the disputed western and eastern parts of Libya.
Opposition spokesman Wanif Bou Hanada disputed the reports. "The revolutionaries continue to control the territories that they liberated and the information broadcast on the government radios is not correct," he said. "Their forces are not where they say they are and journalists can see that for themselves."
Outside the port city of Ras Lanuf, rebel fighters are in control. The fighters said they have repelled several attacks by fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
Ras Lanuf is a major oil facility and rebels manning anti-aircraft weapons said they will defend their positions against any attack by government forces.
In the city of Zawiyak, west of the capital, Tripoli, there are reports that rebel groups have repelled government counter offensive.
In Tripoli, residents awoke Sunday to the sound of gunfire, but the city remains in government control.
As the day wore on, Mr. Gadhafi's supporters took to the streets to show support for their leader.
With both sides declaring that they have the momentum, the crisis here is volatile. Neither the rebels nor the Libyan government seem willing to back down.
