Libyan rebels target Gadhafi's birthplace

Libyan rebels continue westward pushSTORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: Rebels enter Gadhafi loyalist territory, then flee gunfire, rebels sayA rebel says Gadhafi forces raised a white flag, then shot themNATO's chief says the aim in Libya is to protect people, not arm themLibyan state television claims civilians are injured from Sabha bombing Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- Libyan opposition fighters Monday entered territory loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, but soon had to flee amid a barrage of gunfire, rebels told CNN.

As they moved into Umm el Ghindel -- near Sirte, Gadhafi's birthplace -- they began searching some homes and found that Gadhafi's forces had armed residents in the area, rebels said. As they were talking to residents, asking them to join the opposition, gunfire broke out. Rebels told CNN they refused to fire back and began a hasty retreat. A stream of vehicles could be seen fleeing the area.

CNN could not confirm details of what had transpired.

Earlier, a wounded rebel with bandages on the left side of his head and face described what happened Monday about 30 kilometers (nearly 20 miles) from Sirte, near the city's main entrance.

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