Gaddafi: 'There Are No Protests In The East'

Colonel Gaddafi has told supporters that there are "no protests at all in the east", blaming any clashes on al Qaeda sleeper cells attacking security forces.

The Libyan leader appeared on state television and in front of the world's media to deny extensive protests across the country, despite reports of battles with rebels in the east.

His speech came as David Cameron told the House of Commons that Britain had launched an operation to rescue Egyptians stranded at the Libya-Tunisia border.

Colonel Gaddafi was seen being mobbed by supporters in the capital, chanting: "You will remain great".

Colonel Gaddafi greets chanting supporters in Tripoli

During his address, the leader vowed to fight to the last man and woman to defend his country, reiterating a similar sentiment to his son Saif who yesterday told Sky News he would live and die in Libya.

Referring to calls from foreign leaders for him to step down, Colonel Gaddafi said he had no position to leave as he is a symbol for the Libyan people.

His speech comes as witnesses near the port town of Ajdabiyah, less than 500 miles from Tripoli, claim two fighter jets have launched air strikes on the area in a "hit and run" attack.

We are ready to hand out weapons to a million, or two million or three million, and another Vietnam will begin. It doesn't matter to us. We no longer care about anything

Colonel Gaddafi

The reports come as rebels confirmed a bloody battle with Gaddafi forces overnight in the nearby port town of Brega, which apparently left 14 people dead.

Although revolutionaries initially said the town and oil export terminal had been taken by the leader's men, they claim they have once again regained control.

The Brega oil facility had previously been under rebel control

"They tried to take Brega this morning, but they failed," said Mustafa Gheriani, a spokesman for the rebel February 17th Coalition.

"It is back in the hands of the revolutionaries. He is trying to create all kinds of psychological warfare to keep these cities on edge."

The reaction to Libya has left journalists wondering whether there is any communication at all between the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence.

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However, Libyan state television contradicted the rebel reports, claiming Colonel Gaddafi's forces now control the airport and the seaport at Brega.

A rebel police general, speaking on condition of anonymity, said men from Ajdabiyah had travelled to help defend the town.

Pro-Gaddafi supporters turned out in Tripoli following the tanker accident

Witnesses claim more than 100 vehicles, thought to contain militia or Gaddafi's forces, made their way towards Brega on Tuesday and say helicopters as well as planes were used in the raid.

Mr Gheriani said Ajdabiyah was also now "stable" and said rebels were regrouping to prepare for "any major assault".

The apparent retaliation by Gaddafi loyalists comes as men gathered in Tripoli to show their support for the leader, seemingly fearing that the capital was under attack.

Men carrying posters of Colonel Gaddafi and green flags appeared after an oil tanker overturned and caught fire, sending plumes of smoke above the city.

"The reaction to this explosion shows you just how nervous this city is," said Sky correspondent Lisa Holland, who is in Tripoli.

"Within minutes, dozens of people had rushed to the scene to show their support for Colonel Gaddafi."

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