By Vittorio Hernandez

Tripoli, Libya

Libyans in different parts of the north African nation are celebrating the death of their former leader Muammar Gaddafi. Since Thursday night, when news of the former dictator's capture spread and even before official confirmation of his death, the joy of liberation from his 42-year iron rule was felt.

Libyans were embracing one another and jumping with joy; sounds of cheering and vehicle horns honking could be heard from the capital city to other Libyan towns. Some people could be seen dancing and others waving the country's flag.

Even in Sirte, Gaddafi's birthplace where he was captured by National Transitional Council (NTC) soldiers, there were gatherings of celebration.

Gaddafi was shot in the head during an exchange of fire between Gaddafi loyalists and NTC fighters after he was captured. According to an NTC soldier, Gaddafi was found hiding in a drainage pipe and pleaded for the fighter not to shoot him.

The former strongman's remains were taken to Misrata. Reports said the NTC was planning to hold a secret burial for Gaddafi in the hours after his capture and death, although they were still undecided where and how it should take place.

With NTC confirming the death of Gaddafi, NATO is expected to end its Libyan campaign very soon. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said the military operation is definitely finished, subject to some transitional measures in the coming weeks.

While the Western world joined Libyans in celebrating the death of Gaddafi, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez - a friend of the dictator - said the Libyan leader's death is deplorable.

Amnesty International also called for a full, independent and impartial inquiry into the circumstances behind Gaddafi's death, although senior NTC member Mohammed Sayeh doubted if the former leader was killed intentionally. However, he added that even if the killing was done on purpose, Gaddafi deserved his gory end.

World - Libyans Celebrate Gaddafi's Death | Global Viewpoint