The blasts could be heard for 10 minutes starting around 10:30 pm (2030 GMT) coming from western and southwestern suburbs of this city of half a million people, in areas where pro-Kadhafi forces appeared to be deployed.

At the time of the explosions, several NATO planes or drones were flying over the city besieged by troops loyal to the Libyan strongman for two months.

Intense clashes unfolded on Friday between the airport and the once affluent city as troops loyal to the regime, backed by tanks, sought to take control.

Rebels on Monday had pushed Kadhafi's forces out of the city after weeks of heavy fighting.