BANGUI, Oct 27: Libyan fighter jets on Sunday attacked rebel positions in the Central African Republic during a third day of fighting between Libyan troops protecting President Ange-Felix Patasse and supporters of exiled ex-army chief Francois Bozize.

Heavy artillery and automatic weapons fire broke out at 0800 GMT near the presidential palace, which Libyan troops have guarded since a failed coup attempt against Patasse in May 2001. Civilians continued to flee the surrounding neighbourhoods as the fighting resumed.

The government has remained silent about the fighting which began on Friday, with the national radio station continuing to broadcast regular programming.—AFP