ZINTAN, Libya - Rebel fighters said they had retaken the village of Al-Qawalish in western Libya from forces loyal to Muammar Gadhafi on Wednesday.

The village fell to pro-Gadhafi forces earlier on Wednesday, but the rebels said they had staged a successful counter-attack to seize it back, rebel spokesman Abdurahman Alzintani said.

The village lies about 100 km (60 miles) south of Tripoli and is key to rebel plans to advance on Gadhafi's stronghold in the capital.