Muammar Gaddafi’s loyalists are forcing attacks on rebels using tanks, missiles, while Great Britain and USA with support of international community are considering imposing a no-fly zone.

The US State Secretary Hillary Clinton stressed that any authorization of a no-fly zone must come from the United Nations Security Council.

Gaddafi’s forces launched airstrikes and sent tanks on rebels in Zawiya, 50 kilometers west of the Libyan capital.

"Zawiyah as you knew it no longer exists. They have been attacking the town from 10 in the morning until 11.30 in the evening," a resident called Ibrahim told Reuters.

He said there were dozens of bodies in the street, adding: "There is no electricity, no water and we are cut off from the outside world."

One of the Zawiya’s rebels claimed that pro-Gaddafi forces’ tanks are trying to push troops in to the city's central square controlled by rebels.

Rising casualties and threats of hunger and a refugee crisis have increased pressure on foreign governments to act, but many were fearful of moving from sanctions alone to military action.

Libyan leader accused the West of plotting to seize his country's oil and the insurgents of being traitors backed by Al-Qaeda, as his forces pounded rebel-held areas.