Today the Libyans broke the barrier of fear, it is a new dawn." Exiled opposition leader Faiz Jibril Exiled opposition leader Faiz Jibril

Hundreds have lost their lives in the bitter conflict that has been raging in Libya for almost five months.

It began with protests against Col Muammar Gaddafi's regime and has escalated into a bloody battle for territory between government and rebel forces in the west and east of the oil-rich country.

The uprising, inspired by events in neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt and sparked by the arrest of a Libyan human rights campaigner, began in February. Many were killed as authorities tried to suppress the revolt.

Some of the biggest demonstrations were seen in the eastern port of Benghazi - the centre of unrest.

Thousands of foreigners tried to flee Libya, with several countries evacuating citizens.

Libya unrest spreads