In Libya, rebels are trying to hold back an intensified counter-offensive by forces loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi. Rebels said they repelled government forces from Zawiya, west of Tripoli, after intense fighting. Further east, government troops fought their way into Misrata using tanks and artillery, before being forced back. Helicopter gunships strafed the coastal town of Bin Jawad, prompting a retreat by rebels who had captured it on Saturday.

Tripoli has been Col Gaddafi’s main stronghold as he attempts to reassert control over the country from rebels, who have taken much of the east of the country as well as some towns closer to Tripoli, in the west. Meanwhile, the UN says Col Gaddafi’s government has agreed to allow a humanitarian assessment team to visit Tripoli. The UN has appointed former Jordanian foreign minister Abdelilah al-Khatib as its special envoy to Libya.

The UN has also demanded immediate access to Misrata to help the injured. Some of Sunday’s heaviest fighting was reported in Misrata, 200km east of Tripoli. A local doctor told the media persons that the situation became very bad after pro-Gaddafi forces with tanks and armoured cars went into the city centre and opened fire. He said they shot at people and Reuters quoted a witness as saying at least 18 people were killed before the pro-Gaddafi forces were pushed out of the city five hours later.