Wednesday 23 March

International air strikes against Muammar Gaddafi's forces are said to have succeeded in repelling an attack on the western, rebel held town of Misrata. Col Muammar Gaddafi's air force "no longer exists as a fighting force", the commander of British aircraft operating over Libya said. Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell said the allies could now operate "with near impunity" over the skies of Libya.

Air strikes: There have been reports of air strikes in the area of the rebel-held city of Misrata, where fierce fighting is continuing betweeen Gaddafi's forces and rebel fighters. Loud explosions have been heard in and around the capital Tripoli.

On the ground: The situation in Misrata is getting increasingly desperate with supplies of food, water and medicine running low. Government tanks shelled the city hospital, hours after being forced to pull back under air assault from international forces.

And there are also reports of fierce fighting between rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces in the strategic eastern town of Ajdabiya. Fighting is also continuing for control of the rebel-held town of Zintan.