20 October 2011 Last updated at 15:04

In pictures: Anti-Gaddafi forces 'take city of Sirte'

Fighters loyal to Libya's NTC interim authorities say they have taken control of the city of Sirte from pro-Gaddafi forces. The first images emerging from the city showed scenes of celebration.

Government fighters celebrate in Sirte, 20 Oct

Witnesses said the final assault began at about 0800 (0600GMT) and ended about 90 minutes later. About five cars full of Gaddafi loyalists tried to flee along the coastal highway but reports say they were met by gunfire and many were killed.

An image captured off a mobile phone camera purportedly shows the arrest of Col Muammar Gaddafi in Sirte. Photo: 20 October 2011

Libya's transitional authorities later said Col Gaddafi had been killed. This mobile phone image said to be of the colonel has not been confirmed. Some reports said he was captured alive.

An NTC fighter looks through a large concrete tunnel where Col Gaddafi was allegedly captured. Photo: 20 October 2011

NTC fighters said the ousted leader was captured in one of a number of large concrete tunnels in Sirte.

Fighters fire their guns in the air in celebration in Sirte, 20 Oct

The battle for Sirte had dragged on for weeks, inflicting heavy casualties on both sides and causing widespread destruction across the city.

Flag of new Libyan authorities is flown in Sirte centre, 20 Oct

Video footage showed troops taking down the green flags of the Gaddafi regime and hanging in their place the flag reintroduced by Libya's interim government. Sirte is Col Muammar Gaddafi's hometown and was one of the last pockets of resistance.

Green flag of Muammar Gaddafi burned by interim government troops, 20 Oct

Col Gaddafi's green flags became a target for ecstatic government fighters, who chanted "Allahu akbar" (God is great").

Only a day earlier, fierce gun battles were still raging near the city centre. Most residents have fled the fighting.

Africa

In pictures: Anti-Gaddafi forces 'take city of Sirte'

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