Libyan rebels flee oil ports

Libyan rebels are fleeing the oil port of Ras Lanuf after sustained attacks by forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gadhafi.



According to Libyan state TV pro-Gadhafi forces have also cleared rebels from the oil port of Sidra, west of Ras Lanuf.



In recent days, Colonel Gadhafi's forces have been trying to regain ground in the rebel-held east, as well as the town of Zawiya, west of Tripoli.



Meanwhile, France has become the first country to recognise the Libyan rebel leadership, the National Libyan Council, as the country's legitimate government.



It came as NATO met to discuss international military options in the Libyan conflict, including the possibility of imposing a no-fly zone.