Libyan rebels have repelled an offensive by Muammar Gaddafi's forces after a battle on Zlitan's eastern outskirts. The fierce fighting left 8 rebels dead and 76 wounded. No casualty figures were released by the government side. Capturing the town would be a boost to rebel morale, following months of stalemate across the country.

A group of Libyan rebel fighters look down onto the plains from an observation point in the Western Mountains near the town of Kabaw, August 2, 2011.

In the past few days, the rebels have moved the frontline of the conflict to the edge of Zlitan, one of two major towns between the rebel stronghold of Misrata and the capital, Tripoli. Despite heavy casualties in the past week, the opposition have managed to consolidate their recent gains.

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