Heavy clashes overnight in western Libyan oil town

RABAT (Reuters) - Troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi engaged in heavy fighting with rebel forces overnight into Saturday in the oil refining town of Zawiyah west of Tripoli, a resident said.

At least 50 civilians have been killed and as many were severely wounded in the fighting in the town, some 50 km (30 miles) from the capital, said the resident, who gave his name only as Ibrahim.

The 45-year-old, speaking by telephone from Zawiyah, said a "mercenary force" had used heavy artillery to raid the town's Martyrs Square and taken at least 30 civilians to an unknown location.

"The heavy artillery was mounted on four-wheel drive vehicles and they indiscriminately sprayed dwellers in the square. Youths, children, elderly and women have died. I have counted the casualties," he told Reuters by telephone.

Between 50 and 60 civilians were killed, he said.

"Some buried their kin in the square while others were buried in the town's cemetery ... About 50 were severely wounded, many of them may not make it," he said.

"They (forces loyal to Gaddafi) have also taken at least 30 mostly young men aged between 17 and 35 to an unknown location," he added. His account could not immediately be corroborated.

Witnesses have told Reuters that Zawiyah is under opposition control but that the outskirts remain occupied by pro-government soldiers. The information could not be confirmed.

(Reporting by Souhail Karam; Editing by Jon Boyle)