The Libyan government is accusing NATO forces of killing dozens of civilians in a village near the western town of Zlitan.

Authorities said Tuesday that villagers were killed late Monday, following allied airstrikes over the region. The government said the victims included children.

NATO says its warplanes hit targets in the Zlitan area on Monday but could not confirm reports of casualties. The alliance says it is investigating the reports.

Meanwhile, the opposition Transitional National Council has dismissed its executive branch in a bid to ease tensions over the mysterious killing of a rebel military chief.

The council asked its chief, Mahmoud Jibril, to form a new executive body of ministers on Monday.

The opposition group has faced criticism for last month's assassination of General Abdel Fattah Younes, who was gunned down after he returned to rebel-held Benghazi.

His death is considered a setback for the rebels and a sign of infighting within the group.