Tripoli (Xinhua): At least 80 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between Libyan rebels and the government forces loyal to leader Muammar Gaddafi in the strategic city of Ajdabiya, Al-Arabiya TV reported Saturday, citing an eyewitness.

Libyan rebels have won back control of the strategic city of Ajdabiya, which was captured by the government troops two weeks ago. Many pro-regime troops were taken hostage following fierce fighting.

Rebel fighters were now reportedly on their way to the key oil port town of Brega, where forces loyal to Gaddafi have retreated, witnesses said.

Western warplanes bombed on Friday Gaddafi’s tanks and artillery outside the town to break the battlefield stalemate and help rebels take the town.