TRIPOLI - Libyan embattled leader Muammar Gadhafi vowed to defeat the NATO alliance's attempt to oust him from power, according to a audio speech of his aired by state-run Libyan TV on Friday evening.

"This is the first time they are facing an armed nation of millions of people," he said. "They will be defeated, the alliance will be defeated."

The state TV claimed that Gadhafi addressed through "a telephone call on June 17."

His defiant speech came as the troops loyal to him and the rebels against his 42-year rule exchanged heavy fire near the western city of Zlitan and Misrata as the rebels tried to break the months long siege and push deeper into government-held territory east of the capital.