Gaddafi loyalists seized the town last week as they advanced east to quell an uprising now in its fifth week.

The breakthrough on March 26 came after a seventh night of bombardment by allies enforcing a UN-mandated no-fly zone.

There were a series of massive coalition air strikes around Ajdabiya overnight, targeting Gaddafi forces.

About 20 Libyan government tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery pieces have been either abandoned or destroyed.

According to the insurgents, the Gaddafi forces have scattered in all directions, and the rebels are giving chase. The rebels are saying they will move west to their next target, Brega.