Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Libyan Loyalists, Rebels Battle for Towns VOA News March 10, 2011 Libyan rebels stand on the outskirts of the eastern town of Ras Lanuf, Libya, after government forces used rockets and tanks to drive hundreds of rebels from the strategic oil port, March 10, 2011 Photo: AP Libyan rebels stand on the outskirts of the eastern town of Ras Lanuf, Libya, after government forces used rockets and tanks to drive hundreds of rebels from the strategic oil port, March 10, 2011 Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi appear to be gaining ground in some of the towns that had fallen under rebel control. Pro-Gadhafi forces drove hundreds of rebels from the eastern oil port of Ras Lanuf on Thursday. Witnesses said rebels packed into vehicles and headed out of town while under attack by pro-government artillery fire. They also said the local hospital and other buildings are badly damaged. Rebels and government loyalists are locked in battle in the nearby oil port of Brega. Meanwhile, pro-Gadhafi forces are claiming victory in Zawiya, the closest town to the capital Tripoli to come under rebel control. Late Wednesday, government officials said their forces had recaptured the town. State television showed video of what it said was a festive pro-Gadhafi rally in Zawiya. A son of Gadhafi said the Libyan government will never surrender to the rebels. Saif al-Islam Gadhafi also said the Libyan people will never "welcome" NATO or U.S. forces. He commented on Thursday during a series of interviews with Western news organizations. The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross said Libya has descended into civil war, with doctors in the east seeing a dramatic rise in the number of wounded civilians. ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger said Thursday there are reports that as many as 2,000 people have been wounded. Kellenberger said the aid organization is cut off from western areas, including Tripoli. Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters. .