Rebels and forces loyal to fallen Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi battled at Ras Jdir on Libya's coastal border with Tunisia on Friday, a witness in the area said.

Tunisian officials said the army had closed the frontier area, an important crossing point for humanitarian aid and other supplies destined for Libya.

"Clashes are starting between large numbers of rebels and forces loyal to Gaddafi for control of the border," said local resident Fathi Chandol.

"The army asked us to stay away from the area," he told Reuters. "The area has been declared a closed military zone."

The Libyan rebels are keen to control the crossing because it will allow them to bring in supplies of food, water and other essentials from Tunisia. - Reuters