Gaddafi Troops Clash With Rebels In Oil Port

Troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have entered the oil port of Ras Lanuf and are fighting insurgents for control of the town, reports have said

There are claims as many 150 men and three tanks were in the area, in the country's east.

Rebels had taken control of the town, but were forced to retreat after coming under heavy artillery fire.

West of Tripoli, more street clashes were reported in Zawiyah, which has changed hands between rebels and loyalists several times in recent days.

The fresh fighting comes hours after the son of Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi vowed to "never surrender" and pledged full warfare against rebel-held forces, as EU leaders prepare to demand the regime gives up power.

Saif Gaddafi issued the bleak warning ahead of the emergency meeting between European leaders on how to deal with the crisis.

"This is our country and we will never give up or surrender," he warned.

"We fight here in Libya and we will die here in Libya. We will never ever welcome Nato or the Americans."