Troops belong to Muammar Gaddafi attacked the Libyan town of Zuara, 120 km west of the capital, the pan-Arab Al-Jazeera TV reported Thursday.

The Qatar-based TV, citing medics, said seven people were killed and 40 others wounded after "the Gaddafi battalions" staged an attack on Zuara.

Dubai-based Al-Arabiya TV confirmed the attack.

"What is happening in Zuara like genocide, hundreds of dead and wounded," an eyewitness told the Arabiya TV via the phone.

"Help... Save Our Souls," she said.

Reports said anti-regime militias took control of the city.