Forces loyal to leader Muamer Gaddafi withdrew to Bishr town, about 50 kilometres west of Brega, broadcaster Al Arabiya reported on Saturday.

Their victory in the oil port city comes the day after dozens of  countries, part of the Libya Contact Group, announced that they recognised the Libyan rebels’ council as the representative of the people and a “government authority”.   

Gaddafi was quick to dismiss the recognition of the Benghazi-based Transitional National Council in an audio speech broadcast on state television.

“Tramp this silly recognition under your feet,” Gaddafi told his  supporters.

Meanwhile, clashes continued between the rebels and Gaddafi’s troops in the western town of Bir al-Ghanam, the Libya Hurra opposition television channel reported. The rebels were in control of some areas on the outskirts of the town.

They were also fighting to take over al-Gharyan town, which is located on the highway leading to Tripoli — the rebels’ ultimate destination.

The rebels have said that NATO’s airstrikes, which began in March, have helped them gain ground in their fight against Gaddafi.

NATO’s operations are aimed at enforcing a United Nations-authorised no-fly zone to protect civilians from government  strikes.

On Friday, NATO hit one tank, five armoured fighting vehicles, seven armed vehicles and multiple rocket launcher in the vicinity of Brega.

Their targets also included two military storage facilities, one  command and control building, one tank and a surface-to-air missile  launcher.