The situation on Libya’s border with Tunisia has reached crisis point, as tens of thousands of foreigners flee unrest in the country, the UN says.
Aid staff are battling to cope with an exodus that has seen some 140 000 people crossing into Tunisia and Egypt.
Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi has played down protests in the country and insisted that all his people love him.
His comments came amid reports that he is attempting to regain control of rebel areas in western Libya.
Col Gaddafi is facing a massive challenge to his 41-year rule, with protesters in control of towns in the east.
Witnesses said pro-Gaddafi forces tried to retake the western cities of Zawiya, Misrata and Nalut on Monday but were repulsed by rebels helped by defecting army units.
In his interview with the BBC, Col Muammar Gaddafi said there were no demonstrations by Libyans, only an uprising incited by al-Qaeda.
There are fears in Zawiya that the city may be attacked from the air, but the rebels remained defiant.
“We’re not here for power, authority or money,” they said in a message aimed at Col Gaddafi.
“We are here for the cause of freedom and the price we are willing to pay is with our own blood. It’s victory or death.”
Protesters holding Nalut and the town of Zintan, 145km (70 miles) south-west of Tripoli, both reported the approach of Gaddafi forces and said they feared fresh attacks.
