Heavy fighting grips Misrata

The fighting broke out in the resort area of Burgueya, west of Misrata, the North African country's third city about 200 kilometres east of Tripoli.

A thick plume of smoke spread over Misrata from blazing fuel depots bombed a day earlier, while long queues could be seen at fuel stations amid fears of shortages. Forces loyal to
Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi “destroyed the only tanks that were full,” said Ahmad Monthasser, a rebel from Misrata.

Government troops have intensified their attacks on the port of Misrata, the main source of supplies to rebels fighting to oust the veteran strongman in western Libya.