The Libyan rebel chief said it is difficult to tell whether Gaddafi has fled the country or remains within, pointing out that he could still be at his Bab al-Azizya compound in Tripoli.

"The area around al-Azizya is still a hot spot. There are forces that continue to fight the rebels. He (Gaddafi) could still be in al-Azizya, or in neighbouring areas," Abdel Jalil said.