Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi are said to have taken up key positions around the opposition-held city of Ajdabiya.
The eastern city has been fought over now for more than two weeks.
Many people have fled and others are hiding indoors.
Al Jazeera’s James Bays reports on the desperate conditions for people who have chosen to stay.
The Libyan people deserve their freedom. It is so sad to see the little baby being born into these barbaric times. Hope the violence stops soon and the people can rebuild their lives again in peace and prosperity.