Government forces in Libya have mounted renewed bombardments on the oil town of Ras Lanuf, and sent two tanks towards rebel positions according to eyewitness reports.

Ordnance has been seen landing just a few kilometres from the refinery. One rebel gunman said a bomb hit a civilian house in the town, though there was no immediate independent confirmation.

In the battleground to the east of the capital Tripoli the front line has moved to-and-fro along the road between Ras Lanuf and Bin Jawad.

Government forces mounted one of many counter-offensives to reclaim Bin Jawad. But rebels claim to be on the outskirts of the strategic town, and near the Sidrah oil complex. It took a direct hit yesterday and has come under heavy bombardment again today.

Anti-government units holding the oil town of Brega say it too is under renewed attack.

Rebel fighters have renewed their call on the international community for an effective no-fly zone to keep Muammar Gaddafi’s bombers grounded.