Image: AFP PHOTO/ALESSIO ROMENZI
At least 26 Libyan opposition fighters were killed in clashes with government troops in the eastern city of Brega, say local media reports.
The Benghazi-based Quryna daily reported that most of the rebels were shot by snipers. Over 40 were injured in the clashes.
Rebels have been trying to take control of key cities in their push towards the capital Tripoli, to isolate leader Moamer Gaddafi.
The conflict in Libya began in February after a lethal government crackdown on protesters left many killed.
Gaddafi's forces fired a Scud missile on Sunday for the first time since the conflict with the rebels began earlier this year, US defence officials said on Monday.
The officials said the missile was launched from a government-held area, east of Sirte, towards Brega. But it landed in the desert and caused no casualties.
Rebels meanwhile reportedly were advancing in the western side of the country, when they took over most of al-Zawiyah, located some 50km west of Tripoli.