Rebels Captured Muammar Gaddafi's headquarters in Tripoli in Libya

In Libya, rebels overran Muammar Gaddafi's fortified Bab al-Azizya headquarters in Tripoli, marking a symbolic end to his 42-year rule. The defenders had fled, and there was no immediate word on the whereabouts of Gaddafi or his family. 

Earlier, Col Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam appeared in Tripoli hours after rebels claimed he had been captured. He insisted the government had broken the backbone of the rebel offensive and claimed they were winning the battle. But western politicians, rebel leaders and Nato dismissed his claims. The rebels breached the surrounding cement walls and entered inside. They have taken Bab al-Azizya completely.

Meanwhile, members of the rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) in Benghazi say they plan to fly to the capital to start work on forming a new government. India is closely monitoring the developments in Libya, whose capital has been stormed by the rebel forces. A release from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said there are indications that the situation in Libya is changing and the recent events in Tripoli indicate that the Transitional National Council is acquiring effective control.

The release added that India stands ready to extend all possible assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation to the friendly people of Libya and wishes them peace, stability and prosperity.