Libyans poured into streets surrounding Moammar Gadhafi's fortress-like compound in Tripoli

Libyans poured into streets surrounding Moammar Gadhafi's fortress-like compound in Tripoli on Tuesday, after rebels captured it following fierce street battles against forces loyal to the longtime leader.

Streets around the Bab al-Aziziya compound rang with mortars, heavy machine-guns and anti-aircraft guns throughout much of the day Tuesday as rebels took up positions around Col. Gadhafi's symbolic stronghold.

Associated Press

An explosion hit near Gadhafi's main compound in the Bab al-Aziziya district in Tripoli on Tuesday.

By late afternoon gunfire ceased and rebels and Tripoli residents poured onto the streets. An overpass about a half-mile from the complex, on which rebels had taken up position just an hour before, thronged with people.

The compound's green gates were blasted open and hundreds of rebels were pouring into the complex, the Associated Press reported, some driving golf carts as the area resounded with celebratory gunfire.