Explosions shake area near Gaddafi compound

Tripoli: Two loud explosions have shaken the area near Muammar Gaddafi'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 Gaddafi's Bab Al Aziziya complex, where Libyans hold daily rallies in support of the government. Gaddafi 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.