The reported advances were the latest in a recent flurry of accounts of rebel victories, coinciding with intensified NATO airstrikes on Gaddafi's forces in several areas of Libya. In all, NATO said Wednesday, the alliance has carried out more than 2,400 airstrikes since March 31 as part of the effort to assist the rebels and pressure Gaddafi to end his 42-year rule.

At least four air strikes appeared to target central Tripoli overnight. Their crashing sound was clearly audible from the hotel where foreign journalists are staying in the Libyan capital.

Wailing ambulances were heard minutes after the last missile exploded, along with the thundering sound of military aircraft.

It wasn't immediately clear what the strikes hit. Reporters are not allowed to not leave their hotels without government minders.

NATO strikes earlier this week hit an intelligence building and another structure used by parliamentarians.

The strikes came hours after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi made his first TV appearance since an April 30 NATO attack on his sprawling compound killed one of his sons. The brief TV appearance seemed designed to squelch the rumors that he had been hit by the bombing.

AP