Libyan security forces have opened fire on anti-Gaddafi protesters across various cities. At least three people have reportedly been killed in Zawiyah.

In the capital,Tripoli, the army fired teargas and began shooting at crowds.

Explosions have been heard 20 km from the oil port of Ras Lanuf, on the Libyan coast.

In Al Bayda, crowds were heard chanting: "Libya is free and Gaddafi must go."

The head of the rebel National Libyan Council opposing the rule of Muammar Gaddafi vowed: "Victory or death."

Ex-justice minister Mustafa Abdel Jalil told cherering crowds: "We are people who fight, we don't surrender. Victory or death. We will not stop till we liberate all this country ... The time of hypocrisy is over."