Libyan war planes today launched airstrikes and troops engaged in heavy ground battles with a rebel force advancing west toward the capital Tripoli along the country's Mediterranean coastline.

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi retook the town of Bin Jawad, about 110 miles east of Gaddafi's stronghold city of Sirte.

The rebels have been moving west towards Tripoli, and gaining ground over the past few days. They captured the key oil port of Ras Lanouf on Saturday and by today they were moving toward Sirte, which could prove to be a decisive battleground.

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