Gaddafi forces approach Benghazi

Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, have hit the opposition stronghold of Benghazi with mortar and artillery shells, though fighters in the city say they have pushed the assault back.

A warplane flown by what is believed to be an opposition pilot was shot down during the fighting, and opposition fighters say they have captured several tanks from Gaddafi loyalists.

Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher reports.