The battle for control in Libya

roops loyal to Gaddafi launched counter-offensives against rebel-held towns, increasing fears that Libya is heading for a protracted civil war. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

Rebels in East Libya regroup and prepare for another fight.

A Reuters witness says rebel forces were repelled from Bin Jawad after forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi ejected them from the town earlier in the day.

Now they are ready to return.

 Anti-Gaddafi rebel, saying):

"This dog, this tyrant. We want him to hear us, this tyrant. God willing, we will not leave him, we are going to kill him. We are coming for him."

As rebels prepare to return to battle witnesses report that many have died. Some rebels said the people of Bin Jawad had sided with Gaddafi's forces.

In the northwestern city of Misrata, some 125 miles east of Tripoli, amateur video shows rebels fighting pro-Gaddafi forces.

Reuters is unable to independently verify the content of this video, which has been obtained from an internet website.

A doctor from the town says at least 18 people, including a baby girl, were killed in the fighting.

The video shows damaged buildings with shattered windows with the constant sound of sirens.

Amid the chaos were celebrations as rebels claimed the town.

In the capitol city of Tripoli it is the tale of two cities.

In antigovernment neighborhoods the sound of silence prevails.

The mosque that once launched the anti-Gaddafi protests stands quiet.

Anti-government graffiti has now been painted over.

A very different scene in the center of the city where people are out in force showing support for Gaddafi.

The Gaddafi government is proclaiming sweeping victories over what it called terrorist bands.

Troops loyal to Gaddafi have launched counter-offensives against rebel-held towns Sunday, increasing fears that Libya is heading for a protracted civil war.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters