Warplanes attack rebels at oil port

Libyan warplanes have launched two new air strikes near rebel positions in the oil port of Ras Lanouf, keeping up a counter-offensive to stop the opposition advancing towards the capital, Tripoli.

There was no immediate word on casualties, and an Associated Press reporter who witnessed the strikes said they did not appear to have hit any fighters.

On another front, a witness said Muammar Gaddafi loyalists have recaptured Zawiya, the city closest to Tripoli which had fallen into opposition hands.

The witness, speaking to the AP by phone, said Colonel Gaddafi’s tanks and fighting vehicles were roaming the city 30 miles west of Tripoli and firing randomly at homes.