Heavy fighting in Ajdabiya, Libya

French and British jets bombed targets near the eastern town overnight, including government forces’ artillery.

Rebels had tried to attack pro-Gaddafi forces after the air strikes, but said they had to call off the assault.

The town has been besieged for days. Fleeing residents said the streets were deserted, and that government troops were opening fire at random.

Western forces began bombing targets last weekend in a bid to enforce a UN resolution that banned the Libyan military from launching air attacks on civilians.

NATO is expected to takeover the lead of the operation from the Americans in the coming days.

Officials say the raids have weakened pro-Gaddafi forces considerably, but fighting has continued in Misrata in the west and Ajdabiya in the east.

The Reuters news agency said a major rebel offensive on Ajdabiya had been aborted on Friday.

Rebel fighter Muammar told the agency: “We have men further up-front and I am waiting for orders from them.