Libyan rebels said Saturday they were in full control of the strategic port city of Brega and were closing in on the capital, the broadcaster Al Jazeera reported.
The victory in Brega, 750 kilometres east of Tripoli, is the latest in a series of major military gains in the rebels' push towards the capital, DPA reported.
Over the past few days, the rebels have seized Zlitan, 160 kilometres east of Tripoli, and Zawiya, 40 kilometres west of the Libyan capital.
Al Jazeera quoted the rebels as saying that they had seized control of Brega and its key oil installations after weeks of fierce fighting with troops loyal to Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi.
They added that their forces had suffered heavy casualties in Brega due to mines planted by government troops in the city, home to the country's main oil fields.
The head of Libya's rebel Transitional National Council (TNC), Mustafa Abdul Jalil, said in remarks published Thursday that a final victory over Gaddafi was "on the horizon".
On Thursday, the Libyan government called for an immediate ceasefire and talks, but continued to reject any suggestion that Gaddafi should leave power.
Since February, rebels have been fighting to oust Gaddafi, who has led the country for 42 years.
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