Explosions as jets overfly Tripoli: witnesses

TRIPOLI: Two loud explosions rocked eastern Tripoli on Friday as jets flew overhead, witnesses said. Smoke could be seen rising from one of the sites, according to witnesses.

An internatioanl coalition began carrying out air strikes on forces loyal to Libyan strongman Moamer Qadhafi on March 19. NATO took command of operations on March 31.

Massive protests in February inspired by revolts that toppled long-time autocrats in Tunisia and Egypt escalated into war when Kadhafi's troops fired on demonstrators and protesters seized several towns.