Libya has unearthed a mass grave with 157 bodies of rebel fighters and civilians in an eastern town that was a major battleground during the country's 2011 civil war.

It is the largest grave yet to be discovered from the conflict.

Head of the government-run missing persons office Omar al-Obeidi said that 80 of the bodies discovered in Bin Jawwad have so far been identified.

Al-Obeidi said most appear to have died from gunshot wounds and rocket strikes. He said excavation of the bodies began on Friday and concluded toay.

The small town on Libya's main coastal highway was the scene of intense fighting throughout the war, trading hands several times.