Smoke near Tripoli presidential compound
2011-03-20 22:53
Tripoli - Smoke was seen rising from the direction of the presidential compound in Tripoli on Sunday, shortly after an explosion, witnesses said.
The source of the smoke was not entirely clear.
Meanwhile sporadic explosions and heavy gunfire could be heard in the streets of central Benghazi between 20:00 and 20:20 GMT, a Reuters witness reported from the city.
The Libyan government had earlier said its forces would observe an immediate ceasefire in their battle against anti-government forces from 19:00 GMT.
Western powers have been bombarding Libya since Saturday in an attempt to protect civilians in rebel-held areas, especially the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, from attacks by Libyan government forces.
In another delopment, the Pentagon said on Sunday that it questions all statements from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's government.
This included its claim that it would enter into a ceasefire.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon earlier said he hoped the Libyan army would "keep its word".