ZAWIYAH - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces have encircled the western town of Zawiyah and are closing in on the center after being pushed back by rebels earlier on Saturday, a Reuters witness said.
"Zawiyah is encircled by Gaddafi's forces, there are a lot of checkpoints. They are tightening their grip on the center," the Reuters journalist said, adding government forces were manning checkpoints some 3 km (1.8 miles) from the center of town.
"Access to central Zawiyah is completely blocked," she said.
