Smoke billows from a neighbourhood in the Libyan capital Tripoli on August 22, 2011. Libyan rebels declared the "Gaddafi era" over after taking control of most of Tripoli, as jubilant fighters streamed into the capital to join battles near the strongman's compound. (Xinhua/AFP)?

A NATO warplane bombed Muammar Gaddafi's tightly-guarded Bab al-Azizya compound in Tripoli after rebels started to attack the fortified compound, Al-Jazeera television reported.

Pan-Arab Al-Arabiya televison said NATO fired two rockets at Bab al-Azizya, citing rebels as saying NATO already is targeting the compound.

At the same time, Libyan rebels have launched heavy attacks at the Bab al-Aziziyah compound of embattled leader Muammar Gaddafi in Tripoli, Arab television Al Arabiya reported.

A rebel official told the Dubai-based channel that rebel forces "are trying to enter the fortified stronghold through the Old Gate on the western side."