Sweden commits jet fighters to Nato air campaign in Libya

Tripoli: Heavy machinegun and automatic gunfire rang out in the centre of the Libyan capital Tripoli before dawn on Friday, witnesses said.

Later on Friday, Swedish lawmakers approved a plan to send up to eight fighter jets and one transport plane to join the Nato-led air operations over Libya.

Regarding that morning's conflict in Tripoli, it was not immediately clear what triggered the shooting.

The gunfire lasted about 20 minutes and stopped before dawn. Cars were heard speeding along central Tripoli streets.

Tripoli is Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's main stronghold and home to his heavily fortified Bab Al Aziziyah compound located in the centre of the coastal city.

The Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets can't be used to bomb Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's ground forces, but will be able to return fire if they are attacked.

The Swedish Air Force says the first planes will depart this weekend and will be ready to help enforce the no-fly zone in the middle of next week.