In the west, France said its warplanes destroyed five Libyan aircraft and two helicopters at an air base outside rebel-held Misrata on Saturday. Pro-Gaddafi forces had earlier pounded the city with tank, mortar and artillery fire that halted only as coalition aircraft appeared overhead, rebels said.

Western governments hope the raids, launched with the aim of ‘protecting civilians’, will also shift the balance of power in favor of the Arab world's most violent popular revolt.

Libyan government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim told reporters in the capital Tripoli that Gaddafi was directing his forces but appeared to suggest the leader might be moving around the country so as to keep his whereabouts a mystery.

"He is leading the battle. He is leading the nation forward from anywhere in the country," said Ibrahim.

Reuters