Libyan Rebels Attack Gadhafi’s Compound in Tripoli

Libyan rebels have reportedly take control of Moammar Gadhafi’s private Bab al-Aziziya compound in Tripoli – formerly thought to be an impenetrable fortress.

The compound has been attacked by heavily armed fighters who stormed into the capital on dozens of pick-up trucks.

Media reports indicate that one gat of the compound was breached followed by hundreds of rebel soldiers firing guns into the air to celebrate.

Heavy shelling could be heard throughout the city with smoke billowing across the skies.

BBC reports that rebels have complete control of the western half of Tripoli – their seizure of Gadhafi’s compound is believed to have dealt the decisive blow against the current regime.

It is not clear if rebels are planning to capture or kill Gadhafi.

NATO officials have dismissed allegations by Gadhafi’s son Saif al-Islam that the Tripoli regime has pushed back the rebels.

A brief appearance at the dead of night doesn't indicate to me somebody who is in control of a country, or capital, or of anything much at all really, said NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu.

Separately, officials with the rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) group in the eastern city of Benghazi said they will fly to Tripoli on Wednesday and form a new government.

NTC chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil also noted that Gaddafi’s government aides will face justice through criminal trials.

I will stand trial for years I served as a minister in the Gaddafi government, Jalil told a news conference in Benghazi.