The Western Libyan city of Misrata held by the rebels has continued to be under severe attacks by the forces of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in spite of the regime claiming the opposite.

Witnesses in Misrata reported heavy shelling and gunfire in the city that has seen hundreds killed in two months of a government siege, as cited by VOA.

Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim said earlier Sunday the army had suspended operations against rebels in Misrata but had not left the city.

Kaim said troops stopped to enable tribal elders to negotiate with the rebels. He said if the rebels don't surrender in 48 hours, the tribesmen will fight them in place of the army.  

The move comes shortly after doctors said fierce fighting killed at least 24 people in Libya's third-largest city Saturday.

Meanwhile, the United States has announced its first Predator drone strike in Libya; it is part of a NATO-led effort to impose a no-fly zone over Libya, where rebels are fighting to overthrow the government.