Libyan Opposition Moves Headquarters to Tripoli

People trample on a portrait of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi at the entrance of hotel in Tripoli, Libya. EPA/BGNES

The opposition Libyan Transitional National Council (NTC) has announced the transfer of their leadership to Tripoli from their Benghazi base.

The news was reported Friday by Al Jazeera.

According to the media outlet's special correspondent to Tripoli, the NTC has sent an advance party that is starting to "set up shop" in the capital.

Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the head of the NTC, is still in Benghazi, but is quoted saying he would arrive in Tripoli as soon as the security situation permitted.

The move to Tripoli is crucial for better communication between rebel forces, and so the NTC can govern the entire country, Al Jazeera comments.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the UN Security Council has approved the US initiative to release USD 1.5 B in frozen Libyan assets in American banks.

Libyan pro-Gaddafi TV reported overnight that NATO aircraft was bombing the town of Sirte – one of the last remaining bastions of the dictator. The rebels are advancing to Muammar Gaddafi's hometown, but there is fierce resistance east of Sirte.

The opposition announced they are holding talks with local tribes to secure the dictator's capture. Information Gaddafi is hiding in his hometown stronghold remains unconfirmed.