Tripoli hit again by fresh NATO airstrikes

Tripoli was rocked once again by fresh NATO airstrikes late on Thursday night, leaving smoke rising from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziyah base, Reuters reported.

Heavy bombardments have been launched by forces loyal to Gaddafi on the rebel-held city of Misrata for days, as western leaders assembled in the French seaside resort of Deauville for a Group of Eight summit.

Rebel forces advanced four km (two miles) west in Misrata on Thursday and destroyed weapons depots belonging to Gaddafi loyalists, said Fathi al Bashaagha, a member of the town's military council, at a news conference in Misrata late on Thursday, Reuters reported.

The military council had no immediate plans to advance on Zlitan, which is currently under control of Gaddafi loyalists, said Bashaagha. Zlitan is the next major town west on the road to Tripoli.

Thousands of Libyans rebelled against Gaddafi's rule followed by the crackdown of his security forces. The eastern part of the country is now controlled by the rebels, reported Reuters.