Libyan opposition fighters have recaptured the strategic Ajdabiya, a key oil town just 160 kilometres from the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

Pro-democracy fighters claim to have moved past Brega further to the west, and that they are heading towards Ras Lanuf, another oil-rich town.

Ajdabiya is the first town to fall back into the hands of pro-democracy fighters, since the air strikes by international forces began on March 20.

British officials say those raids destroyed seven government tanks which threatened the city overnight.

Al Jazeera's James Bays has the latest from Ajdabiya. (26 March 2011)