Libyan television said today that forces loyal to Muammar Gaddadfi are on the outskirts of the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

"The town of Zuwaytinah is under control (of loyalists) and armed forces are on the outskirts of Benghazi," Allibya television said.

Zuwaytinah is about 150 kilometres (93 miles) south of Benghazi, the Mediterranean city and seat of the opposition trying to unseat Gaddafi.

Libyan television earlier today also said that forces loyal to Gaddafi had wrested control of Misrata, one of the last rebel-held bastions, and were "purging" it of insurgents.

"The armed forces are in control of the city of Misrata. It is now being purged of the terrorist gangs," Allibya television reported.

Gaddafi had pledged in comments broadcast by state television late yesterday that his forces would recapture Misrata, the country's third city located 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of Tripoli, in a "decisive battle."

Misrata came under rebel control some 10 days after the uprising against the Gaddafi regime began on February 15 and has been the scene of sporadic clashes between the two sides ever since.

Forces loyal to Gaddafi attacked Misrata yesterday, killing at least four people and wounding 10, a rebel spokesman said, adding however that the insurgents had repulsed the offensive.

Last week Misrata was also the target of several offensives by Gaddafi 's forces and at least 21 people were killed, including a child, and dozens were wounded in fierce clashes and heavy shelling, medics said.