Libyan news:Powerful blast rocks central Tripoli

 A powerful blast rocked the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday as NATO planes intensified airstrikes against forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, a Xinhua correspondent said.

"NATO planes flew over Tripoli on Saturday morning, then the explosion was heard in Bab El Azezid, a residential area near the compound of Muammar Gaddafi," a Xinhua correspondent said.

Gaddafi is facing tightening military pressure as NATO airstrikes hit Tripoli for the fifth straight night late Friday and early Saturday.

NATO bombed several sites in the capital on Friday night, Libyan state television said, adding that several explosions were heard and smoke was seen rising above the city.

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