Libyan rebels have encircled the eastern oil hub of Brega and are in control of parts of the town, whose capture would mark a major boost for the insurgents' campaign to oust Muammar Qadhafi, a rebel spokesman said. Insurgents were dug in to the south and east of Brega and in control of its eastern residential sector, the spokesman said.
France said the rebels were in the process of taking over the town completely, but the Libyan government denied the claim. "Members of the revolutionary council saw some Qadhafi forces inside Brega but numbers are very, very low compared to the few last weeks," the rebel spokesman said.
He said he had listened to intercepted radio communications between Qadhafi loyalists in Brega, which suggested they were low on food and weapons and complaining about their commanders.