Despite the air strikes, forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have made gains and continued to fight on.

The city of Zintan was hit heavily by Gaddafi's forces and although still reportedly free, has been surrounded.

Government soldiers also surrounded Misurata, a key rebel stronghold in western Libya.

There was also fierce fighting further east in Ajdabiya. Rebel fighters were seen retreating in the face of an attack by Gaddafi forces.

Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley sent this report.