Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have seized the eastern town of Brega, rebel officers in the region told Reuters, the first indication of a concerted fight back by the Libyan leader in the rebel-controlled east.   

Anti-Gaddafi forces have been firmly in charge of eastern Libya up to Brega, and some areas beyond, since shortly after anti-government protests erupted in mid-February.   

"It's true. There was aerial bombardment of Brega and Gaddafi's forces have taken it," Mohamed Yousef, an officer in the town of Ajdabiyah which is about 75 km (47 miles) from Brega, told Reuters on Wednesday.   

Two other officers in the east confirmed there had been attacks on Brega and one of them also said Gaddafi's forces had taken control of it. -Reuters