Rebels: All east Libya cities liberated

Libya's rebel council said its forces fought off troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi in Zawiyah and Misrata on Sunday, and the two cities were now "liberated". A spokesman told a news conference in Benghazi that all cities in the east of the country remain liberated.

At least 18 people, including a baby, were killed in fighting between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and rebels in the town of Misrata on Sunday, a doctor told Reuters by phone.

"We have 18 martyrs but the figure is not final. We also have many people wounded, I cannot even count them," said the doctor, who works at Misrata main hospital.

He said the dead included rebels and civilians.

Gaddafi supporters rally in Tripoli (Photo: AP)

A small British diplomatic team sent to Benghazi in eastern Libya to initiate contacts with the rebel-backed opposition, and that "experienced difficulties" there, have now left the county, UK foreign secretary William Hague said on Sunday.

"We intend, in consultation with the opposition, to send a further team to strengthen our dialogue in due course. This diplomatic effort is part of the UK's wider work on Libya, including our ongoing humanitarian support," he said in a statement.

"We continue to press for Gaddafi to step down and we will work with the international community to support the legitimate ambitions of the Libyan people," he added.

A rebel spokesman in Benghazi also said the team, which was reported to have included members British special forces, had left Libya.

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