Loud explosions heard in center of Libya's capital

[June 27, 2011]  TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) -- Two loud explosions have shaken the area near Moammar Gadhafi's compound in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

The thunderous late morning blasts on Monday could be felt at a hotel where foreign journalists stay in Tripoli.

Smoke could be seen rising from the area near Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziya complex, where Libyans hold daily rallies in support of the government. Gadhafi is not believed to be staying in the compound.

NATO jets were heard overhead minutes after the blasts as sirens from emergency vehicles blared in the streets.

It wasn't immediately clear what was hit or if there were civilian casualties.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.