Four explosions rock Libyan capital
Date 2011/5/12 14:59:51 | Topic: Libya
| 20110512
presstv
Four explosions in quick succession have rocked the Libyan capital, Tripoli, as NATO jets flew over the city, a report says.
The early morning blasts came from the direction of the Bab al-Aziziya area where Gaddafi's compound is located, AFP reported early Thursday.
Minutes after the last explosion, wailing ambulances were heard along with the thundering sound of military aircraft, the report added.
Two plumes of white smoke could be seen rising above the city following the blasts in the Libyan capital.
It was not immediately clear what the strikes hit. No causalities have been reported.
The explosions came hours after Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi made his first TV appearance since a NATO strike on his sprawling compound on April 30, in an attempt to quash rumors that he had been hit by the airstrikes.
Earlier this week, NATO hit the Libyan intelligence building and another structure used by the parliamentarians.
Meanwhile, Libyan revolutionary forces reportedly captured the airport in the western city of Misratah on Wednesday after fierce fighting with regime forces.
Misratah has been under siege by Gaddafi forces for close to two months, with regime forces repeatedly bombing and shelling the city. Human rights groups say hundreds of people have been killed in the port city during the weeks-long regime siege.
Libya has been the scene of fierce fighting between pro-Gaddafi troops and anti-regime forces since mid-February. The revolutionary forces seek an end to Gaddafi's decades-long rule.
The US and NATO have unleashed a punishing, UN-mandated offensive against Gaddafi to pressure him to give up power.
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