Deaths continue to mount in Misrata

A wounded Libyan rebel flashes the victory sign as he is carried to Al-Hikma hospital in Misrata on April 23, 2011.

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) — Amid reports that pro-government forces have withdrawn from the besieged Libyan port city of Misrata, at least four people were killed there Sunday, a local resident told CNN.

Two people were killed after their home was shelled by pro-Gadhafi forces, and two others were killed in clashes with remnants of pro-government forces, said the source, who declined to be named because of fear of reprisal.

CNN could not immediately verify the deaths.

According to medical sources in Misrata, 11 people have been killed and 50 injured in shellings and clashes with remnants of pro-Gadhafi forces.

Sporadic shelling continued from the outskirts of the city, the local resident said.

Misrata, a rebel stronghold in western Libya, has been the scene of some of the most prolonged fighting in the current conflict.

The main market in the city and the central hospital were “liberated” by the rebels, the local resident said, but the city remained unsafe and not under complete control of the rebels.

The rebels, under the umbrella of the Transitional National Council, received a pledge on Sunday from Kuwait for about $180 million. The announcement was made during council chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil’s visit to Kuwait, Kuwaiti state-run television reported.

Meanwhile, an opposition leader on Sunday denounced Libyan government claims that the regime is working with local tribes to deal with rebels in Misrata.

The regime has said that it is calling on the tribes to either negotiate with the rebels or use force.

“There are no tribes and there are no negotiations. It’s only Libyan people fighting against Gadhafi’s forces,” said Col. Ahmad Bani, a rebel military spokesman.

Ruler Moammar Gadhafi is “lying to say to the world that he’s looking to find a solution,” Bani said. “These are Gadhafi dreams and they will never happen.”

In his Easter message Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI urged an end to fighting in the North African nation.

“In the current conflict in Libya, may diplomacy and dialogue take the place of arms, and may those who suffer as a result of the conflict be given access to humanitarian aid,” the pope said.

Misrata was under heavy shelling Saturday night, according to Bani.

The shelling came hours after the government said its soldiers were suspending operations in Misrata.

Khaled Khaim, Libyan deputy foreign minister, said government forces have only suspended operations a day after he said they had withdrawn from Misrata, leaving tribal leaders to deal with the rebels.

“I’m not surprised. We told you Gadhafi is playing dirty games,” Bani said. “Never believe the snake.”

Hundreds have been killed in the battle for Misrata, under a bloody siege from Gadhafi’s forces for seven weeks.

It is the scene of some of the deadliest battles as the rebels attempt to oust the ruler, who has been in power for 42 years.

Human Rights Watch has said Gadhafi was using internationally banned cluster bombs and other lethal munitions to indiscriminately kill civilians.

Meanwhile, the United States conducted its first Predator drone airstrikes Saturday afternoon, said Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Darryn James.

Keeping with U.S. practice not to comment on drone strikes, the Pentagon offered no other information.

CNN’s Hamdi Alkshali, Reza Sayah, Saad Abedine, Frederik Pleitgen and Barbara Starr contributed to this report.