The town revolted against Gaddafi governmental control in late February but the revolt was crushed by pro-Gaddafi forces in early March. There was a rebel raid against the city in June that was defeated by government troops. Holding Zawiya was a priority for the pro-Gaddafi forces, as the city lies on their coastal supply route and is a vital control city on the route from Tripoli to Tunisia.[10] It is home to an important oil refinery, the only one in loyalist hands prior to the battle.[11]