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 85 people were killed late Monday following allied airstrikes over the region. State-run television showed video of what it said were victims of the strikes, including women and small children. The government said there would be a three-day mourning period for the victims.

NATO says its warplanes hit targets in the Zlitan area on Monday. But in a Tuesday news conference, an alliance spokesman, Colonel Roland Lavoie, said there was “no evidence of civilian casualties at this stage.” NATO said it was investigating the reports.

Meanwhile, the French News Agency quotes rebels who say fresh clashes flared Tuesday between forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and opposition fighters in the eastern town of Brega. Rebels say two opposition fighters were killed.

On Monday, the opposition Transitional National Council 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.