Explosions Rock Libyan Rebels' Stronghold Benghazi

Fierce fighting is reported in Libyan rebel stronghold Benghazi despite Gaddafi's declaration of cease-fire. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Explosions are reported Saturday in and near Libya's rebel stronghold of Benghazi, despite Gaddafi's government declaring a ceasefire.

A jet has been shot down over the city in defiance of the new UN no-fly resolution, BBC informs.

The rebels say they are under attack from pro-Gaddafi forces and are being forced to retreat.

The Libyan government denies these reports. "Libyan government forces are involved in no military action in or around the eastern rebel-held city of Benghazi," a government spokesman is quoted saying Saturday.

Meanwhile, leaders from the UK, the US, France and countries from the Arab League are scheduled to meet in Paris to discuss military action in Libya under the new UN resolution.

Gaddafi has ruled Libya for more than 40 years.

An uprising against him began last month after long-time leaders of neighboring Tunisia and Egypt were ousted.

On Friday Gaddafi said the UN resolution was "blatant colonialism" that "does not have any justification," Al-Jazeera reported.