NATO Warplanes Strike Near Besieged Libyan City

The ammunition of a rebel fighter is seen as he arrives at Green Square in the Kish, Benghazi July 6, 2011, from all the freed areas of Libya to demonstrate against Muammar Gaddafi and his regime.

A NATO airstrike has targeted a military position near Libya's western city of Misrata, where pro-government forces have been battling rebels.

NATO said Saturday that its warplanes hit a missile firing position near Tawurgha, a town south of rebel-held Misrata.

A statement released by the alliance says forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi were using the position to launch "indiscriminate attacks" on civilians in areas including Misrata.

Misrata has been under siege for months. On Friday, activists and medical workers said at least five rebels had been killed and dozens wounded as pro-government forces shelled targets near the city.

Meanwhile, rebels have been trying to advance toward the Libyan capital, Tripoli, after gaining control of two small towns south of the capital earlier this week.