Rebels, pro-Gaddafi troops battle in Libya

CAIRO. March 4. KAZINFORM Battles between Libyan rebels and forces loyal to the country's leader Muammar Gaddafi are underway in the east and west of the country, Al Jazeera TV channel reported Friday. Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.

Fighting is taking place in the eastern oil port of Ras Lanuf, 660 km east of Tripoli, and in Zawiyah, 50 km west of the capital.

Some 2,000 people are believed to have been killed in clashes between protesters and pro-Gaddafi forces since a popular uprising began in the North African country on February 15. Inspired by the recent ouster of authoritarian regimes in Tunisia and Egypt, Gaddafi's opponents are demanding an end to his 42-year rule.

Libyans are demanding an end to Gaddafi's 42-year authoritarian rule. Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru