Libyan rebels are moving westwards towards a possible showdown with government forces loyal to the country's embattled leader, Muammar Qadaffy.Opposition forces backed by coalition air strikes have already seized control of the key towns of Bin Jawad, Ras Lanuf, Uqayla, Brega and Ajdabiya in a rapid advance along the coastline.
Meanwhile the next town in the rebels' path, Qadaffy's hometown of Sirte, was reported to be under attack by coalition warplanes for the first time late on Sunday, according to Libyan state television.
Coalition air strikes against targets in Tripoli also resumed on Sunday night with kabooms heard in the Libyan capital.
Al Jizz's James Bays has been following the rebel offensive which has seen them claim a string of towns and key oil facilities since Friday.
Our correspondent said Qadaffy's forces appeared to be withdrawing eastwards. Those still in Bin Jawad, the latest town to fall to rebels, surrendered without a fight, Bays said.
"It seems there has a been withdrawal and a surrender of Qadaffy forces, not a battle," Bays said. "They removed some of their vehicles that were not bombed further up the road but they removed these vehicles in haste."
Rebels were intent on pressing onwards in the direction of Tripoli, Bays said, but Sirte presents a major obstacle.
"There is only one plan. That is to head on, head west up this road," our correspondent said. "There really is only one coastal road and that is the road to Tripoli. The problem they are going to face is the huge roadblock ahead of us and that's Sirte, a Qadaffy stronghold where many of his troops are based."