Libyan forces push rebels back

Libyan government forces have unleashed a withering bombardment on rebels outside a key oil town, pushing them back even as the regime said Muammar Gaddafi might consider some reforms but would not step down.

Libyan government forces have unleashed a withering bombardment on rebels outside a key oil town today, pushing them back even as the regime said Muammar Gaddafi might consider some reforms but would not step down.

The rebels managed to take part of the town of Brega on Monday, aided by an international air campaign that has pounded Gaddafi's heavy weapons, but the rocket and artillery salvos unleashed on the rebels indicated the government's offensive capabilities remain.