The second strike appeared aimed at a rebel camp set up in a former government military base.

The earlier attack left two craters in the sand near a checkpoint on the eastern edge of the town and triggered rebel anti-aircraft fire.

"There were two rockets. There are no injuries, no damage," said Abdal Sharif, one of the rebels fighting the regime of Libyan leader Moamer Qadhafi.

On Saturday the rebels shot down a loyalist fighter-bomber near Ras Lanuf, killing the two pilots, according to a video clip seen by AFP.

Libyan state television claimed early Sunday that Ras Lanuf had been recaptured by loyalist forces.