The Libyan rebels are not lacking in determination. Yet their inexperience has been laid bare, and their victories have often been short lived. A familiar pattern of initial euphoria followed by territorial loss has quickly emerged.

Muammar Gaddafi's military forces continue to have the upper hand on the battlefield.

In Brega, Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel Hamid explores why opposition fighters are struggling to hold their ground or make significant gains.