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Gaddafi's forces encircle Zawiyah - Reuters witness


    ZAWIYAH, Libya (Reuters) - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces have encircled the western town of Zawiyah and are closing in on the centre 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 centre," the Reuters journalist said, adding government forces were manning checkpoints some 3 km from the centre of town.

    "Access to central Zawiyah is completely blocked," she said.

    (Reporting by Maria Golovnina; Editing by Jon Hemming)