Gaddafi's forces strangle Zawiyah: media reports

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces have encircled the western town of Zawiyah and are closing in on the centre after being pushed back by rebels earlier today, a Reuters witness said.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces have encircled the western town of Zawiyah and are closing in on the centre after being pushed back by rebels earlier on Saturday, a Reuters witness said.

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"Zawiyah is encircled by Gaddafi's forces, there are a lot of checkpoints. They are tightening their grip on the centre," the Reuters journalist said, adding government forces were manning checkpoints some 3 km (1.8 miles) from the centre of town.

"Access to central Zawiyah is completely blocked," she said.