Libyan government forces crush revolt in Zawiyah

The road from Ras Lanuf in the east of Libya is the focus of intense fighting between rebel forces and Libyan government troops, Euronews reports. Unconfirmed reports say war planes have bombed opposition hideouts there.

In the east, Benghazi remains an opposition stronghold. West of Tripoli the revolt in Zawiyah, held for days by the rebels, has been crushed.

In the US, President Barack Obama, accused by critics of not reacting quickly enough, said the United States and its allies are “slowly tightening the noose” with sanctions on Colonel Gaddafi and that a no-fly option remains on the table.