TRIPOLI, Libya - A Libyan rebel leader claims that opposition forces have taken control of a post on the Tunisian border near a former rebel-held town.

The reported capture of the Dhuheiba border crossing could open important channels to the nearby desert town of Nalut, about 140 miles (240 kilometers) southwest of the capital Tripoli.

The town was in the hands of anti-government forces last month before Libyan troops moved in.

The rebel leader, Shaban Abu Sitta, says the border post was taken on Thursday after three days of intense battles with government soldiers outside Nalut.

The claim could not be independently verified. Moammar Gadhafi's forces have sharply restricted the movement of journalists in the areas they control in western Libya.