Officials of Libya`s embattled regime on Wednesday condemned what they said was the coalition forces` support for rebel forces trying to drive Moamer Kadhafi from power.

Coalition warplanes were effectively supplying the rebel forces with air cover as they tried to push westward, said a foreign ministry statement.

The ministry "deplores the hostile action of the countries of the Western coalition, which is supplying support to the armed gangs of Al-Qaeda in the region east of Libya by means of air raids to facilitate the advance of these gangs towards Ras Lanouf and Brega."

This "support, in a sovereign country and United Nations member is contrary to the international laws and norms regulating relations between states," the statement added.

Coalition air strikes against forces loyal to Kadhafi have allowed rebel forces to advance west from the eastern stronghold of Benghazi, recapturing in recent days the towns of Ajdabiya, Brega and Ras Lanuf.

But on Wednesday Kadhafi`s forces counter-attacked, using their superior firepower to drive back the Libyan rebels some 200 kilometres (125 miles), retaking much of the ground recently lost.

Kadhafi`s forces overran the towns of Ras Lanuf, Uqayla and Brega, rebels reported.

AFP reporters and rebel fighters said Kadhafi`s troops swept through the oil town of Ras Lanuf, 300 kilometres (185 miles) east of Kadhafi`s hometown Sirte, soon after dawn, blazing away with tanks and heavy artillery fire. (*)

Source: ANTARA