The situation on Libya's border with Tunisia has reached crisis point, as tens of thousands of foreigners flee unrest in the country, according to the United Nations.
Reports say aid workers are unable to cope, with new refugees pouring in as quickly as others cross over.
The United Nations says 75,000 people have fled to Tunisia since unrest began and 40,000 more are waiting to cross.
As chaos engulfs the oil-rich North African state, its leader Muammar Gaddafi has told Western journalists he is loved by his people and denied there are any protests in Tripoli, despite numerous reports that there has been demonstrations.
His interview to the BBC came amid reports that he is attempting to regain control of rebel areas in western Libya.
Colonel Gaddafi is facing a massive challenge to his 41-year rule, with protesters in control of towns in the east.
Witnesses said pro-Gaddafi forces tried to retake the western cities of Zawiya, Misrata and Nalut on Monday but were repulsed by rebels helped by defecting army units.
The rebels said they had killed eight pro-Gaddafi militia, but there were no opposition fatalities. There has been no word from the government on casualties.
