Supporters of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have rallied in Tripoli after his voice was broadcast on state television , and NATO air raids struck the capital.

In the recording, Gaddafi describes the NATO as a "cowardly crusader." It follows the remarks by Italy's foreign minister that Gaddafi had probably left Tripoli and likely had been wounded by NATO air strikes.

Libyan state television showed pictures on Saturday of supporters gathered outside the compound of the Libyan leader.

Similar rallies were also seen in front of the state television building and the broadcast centre for Voice of Africa in Tripoli.

The demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Gaddafi.

The broadcast was made after state television carried brief audio tape remarks it said were by Gaddafi in which he taunted NATO as a cowardly crusader whose bombs could not kill him.

Voice of Muammar Gaddafi, said, "I tell the coward crusaders. I live in a place where you can't get to me. I live in the hearts of millions."

Before the recording was aired Friday, a Libyan government spokesman declared that Gaddafi is still in the capital city and continuing to fulfill his leadership duties.

The comments came after the Italian foreign minister said Gaddafi had very likely left the Libyan capital and been wounded by NATO airstrikes. In an interview, Franco Frattini doubted Thursday's footage which showed Gaddafi meeting tribal leaders.

Gaddafi's compound has been a frequent target of NATO-led airstrikes, including an attack on April 30th where he is believed to have been inside but escaped unharmed.