Conflicting reports about the capture of Gaddafi’s son

There are conflicting reports in Libya about the fate of one of the sons of ousted leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.



Representatives for the National Transitional Council (NTC) have told news agencies that Mutassim Gaddafi had been captured in the family's hometown of Sirte.



However, officials in the NTC stronghold of Benghazi could not confirm the claims, which sparked celebratory gunfire in several cities.



NTC forces said they now control most of Sirte after fierce fighting with Gaddafi’s loyalists.



There have been false reports of the capture of senior Gaddafi figures in the past, including another son, Saif al-Islam, and Gaddafi spokesman Moussa Ibrahim.



Observers in Libya said if it is confirmed, the capture of Mutassim Gaddafi would be a major breakthrough for the NTC.