Libyan rebels in Ajdabiya – in pictures

A rebel fighter passes along a road near a checkpoint Photograph: Vassil Donev/EPA

A rebel fighter climbs on top of a building to use a spotting scope to monitor the horizon Photograph: Ben Curtis/AP

A rebel fighter shouts to others not to flee after brief shelling Photograph: Ben Curtis/AP

Rebel forces launch rockets from the city's western gate Photograph: Phil Moore/AFP/Getty Images

A rebel fighter makes the Arabic word for Libya out of used bullet casings Photograph: Ben Curtis/AP

A rebel soldier is seen through a hole in a concrete wall near the western gate Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

Rebel fighters hold a position ahead of a rumoured Libyan army advance Photograph: Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Rebel fighters stand guard on a main road
Photograph: Chris Hondros/Getty Images

A rebel fighter holds a machine gun at a checkpoint near the frontline Photograph: Vassil Donev/EPA

A religious leader takes part in a chant to rally rebel fighters Photograph: Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Two rebel soldiers sit in their vehicle near the city's western gate Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

A rebel fighter uses binoculars to check the positions of Gaddafi-loyal forces Photograph: Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images

A rebel soldier receives treatment for gunshot wounds Photograph: Keystone/Rex Features

The charred hand of a pro-Gaddafi fighter in a communal grave Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

The helmet of a dead fighter lies on the ground Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

Rebels bury one of eight fighters allegedly killed in a Nato air strike Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images