President Barack Obama warned Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi on Friday to comply with UN demands for a cease-fire or else face consequences that include military action.

However, large explosions were heard in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi early on Saturday March 19, 2011 and residents said that Libyan leader Muammar Qadhfi’s forces were attacking the rebel stronghold. Libya had declared a unilateral ceasefire on Friday after the United Nations Security Council authorised a no-fly zone over Libya, but the United States had said the ceasefire was not being respected.