Intense fighting is reported in the Libyan town of Ras Lanuf between opposition fighters and forces loyal to leader Colonel Gaddafi.

FORCES loyal to Muammar Gaddafi regained control of the centre of Zawiyah, after using tanks and snipers to drive rebels out of their stronghold in the western city’s main square, residents said.

GOVERNMENT forces struck at rebels in Libya’s east and were reported attacking a town near Tripoli as concern grew over civilian suffering and a growing refugee exodus.

GOLD rose above $1,430 (€1,022) an ounce yesterday, while silver surged 3% to 31-year highs, as soaring oil prices fuelled by widening unrest in Libya prompted investors to pile into safe havens.

MUAMMAR GADDAFI’S forces battled rebels on several fronts in a worsening of Libya’s crisis and unrest erupted in the capital when gunmen fired to break up crowds shouting “Gaddafi is the enemy of God.”

MUAMMAR GADDAFI struck at rebel control of a key Libyan coastal road for a second day but received a warning he would be held to account at The Hague for suspected crimes by his security forces.

Two ferries carrying foreigners trying to leave strife-torn Libya were waiting to leave Tripoli today, delayed by officialdom and rough seas, while a Russian-chartered ferry arrived at a port further east.