Libyan opposition take Misratah airport

Libyan revolutionary forces have reportedly captured the airport in the western city of Misratah after fierce fighting with regime forces.

Reports say revolutionary forces are now in full control of the airport with hundreds celebrating in the streets.

Forces of embattled ruler Muammar Gaddafi reportedly abandoned their tanks after they were set on fire by revolutionary forces.

Misratah has been under siege by Gaddafi forces for close to two months with regime forces repeatedly bombing and shelling the city.

Meanwhile, witnesses in the capital Tripoli say the city has been hit by numerous explosions after numerous overflights by NATO-led aircraft. NATO is yet to confirm the aerial attacks.

Meanwhile, the UN chief has called for an immediate ceasefire in Misratah and elsewhere.

Ban Ki-moon says the ceasefire is needed to provide humanitarian assistance along with political dialog to resolve the crisis.

There has been no direct response from the Libyan government or revolutionary forces.

The Libyan regime has made several ceasefire declarations but continued its attacks on opposition forces.

The UN aid chief has warned that continued offensives by regime forces could cause a humanitarian crisis.

Human rights groups say hundreds of people have been killed in the port city during the weeks-long regime siege.

Libya has been the scene of fierce fighting between Pro-Gaddafi troops and anti-regime forces since mid February.

The revolutionary forces want an end to Gaddafi’s decades-long rule.

The US and NATO have unleashed a punishing, UN-mandated offensive against Gaddafi to pressure him to give up power.

But scores of civilians have been killed in both internal clashes and foreign air strikes.