There are reports of renewed bombardments around the Libyan oil port town of Brega, as Muammar Gaddafi steps up his efforts to quell a popular uprising. The bombing is alleged to be from forces loyal to the Libyan leader.

Libya’s second largest oil terminal is situated in Brega, which is roughly 800 kilometres east of the capital, Tripoli. Brega is also strategically located for the road route to Bengazi, the epicentre of the protests.

The town was the target of air strikes by Gaddafi’s forces on Wednesday and Thursday and rebel fighters have been trying to defend it.

This fresh round of bombings is being reported on Dubai-based news channel, Al Arabiya, and has not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile in Gaddafi’s stronghold in the capital, Tripoli, protesters called for rallies to be held after Friday prayers. Eye-witnesses said several hundred opponents of Gaddafi gathered in the Tajoura district of the city after coming out of mosques. A Reuters reporter on the ground said that Libyan security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds and added that gunfire could be heard.