Libyan rebels say city will be starved of fuel after light aircraft drop bombs on oil tanks

This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

Libyan government forces have bombed four large oil tanks in Misrata, destroying the city's only source of fuel, according to rebels.

Light aircraft normally used for spraying pesticides were deployed for the overnight attack in Qasr Ahmed, close to the port, rebel spokesman Ahmed Hassan said today.

Bombs were dropped on four large storage tanks, destroying them and sparking a huge blaze that spread to four more, he said.

"We cannot extinguish it because we do not have the right tools," Hassan told Reuters.

"Now the city will face a major problem. Those were the only source of fuel for the city.

"These tanks could have kept the city for three months with enough fuel."

Nato was notified by the rebels about the planes before the attack but did not respond, said Hassan.

Misrata, the last remaining city in the east held by the rebels, has been under siege by Gaddafi's forces for more than two months.

It has been the scene of some of the fiercest fighting between loyalists and rebels.

Government forces last month flew at least one helicopter reconnaissance mission over the city, according to the rebels.