Explosions heard in Libyan rebel stronghold

Reports on social network Twitter say that a plane bombed an area southwest of the city early today and smoke can be seen rising from the area.

Other media correspondents in Benghazi said a fighter jet could be heard and rebel forces were returning fire. Attacks have been reported in more than one location.

“We've been hearing explosions and the return of anti-aircraft fire,” a Sky News correspondent in Benghazi said. "It's not clear what those explosions were - they were certainly loud enough to shake parts of the city.

"This morning we've been hearing the distant rumble of what sounds like artillery fire or tank fire." The correspondent added that it was not clear who was doing the firing.

Al-Jazeera reports Libya has claimed rebel forces are violating a truce as they mobilise to defend their stronghold of Benghazi, even as the government faces accusations it is defying international demands for an immediate ceasefire.

Khaled Kaim, the Libyan deputy foreign minister, said today that opposition forces were breaching the Gaddafi government's self-declared ceasefire.

"Armed militias have begun firing a few minutes ago in the town of al-Magrun", about 80km south of Benghazi, he said. "The bombing is continuing."

Kaim said government forces were "not taking any action against them because we don't want to violate the ceasefire".

Fresh fighting was also reported in Misurata and Ajdabiya.