Pro-Qadhafi forces launch airstrike on rebels

Smoke raises following an air strike by Libyan warplanes near to the anti-Qadhafi rebels' checkpoint in the oil town of Ras Lanouf, eastern Libya, on Monday.

Forces loyal to Muammar Qadhafi have launched an airstrike against a rebel position in a key oil port. There were no casualties in the Monday morning attack in Ras Lanouf.

Libyan rebels say they are regrouping after forces loyal to Qadhafi pounded opposition fighters with helicopter gunships, artillery and rockets on Sunday to stop the rebels’ rapid advance toward the capital.

Sunday’s fighting appeared to signal the start of a new phase in the conflict, with Qadhafi’s regime unleashing its air power on the rebel force trying to oust the ruler of 41 years. Resorting to heavy use of air attacks signalled the regime’s concern that it needed to check the advance of the rebel force toward Sirte, Qadhafi’s hometown and stronghold.