Car bombs explode in Libya's capital, killing 2

The first bomb went off in a main street near a military college used as a base for former rebel forces, killing two and wounding four, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

Half an hour later, a taxi parked in a narrow alley near the Interior Ministry exploded, wounding several people.

The official said a third car bomb was discovered, also near the ministry. It was safely defused.

Late Sunday, officials found a fourth car bomb near the military college and dismantled it. Police said they arrested three suspects in connection with the bombings.

The bombings came on the eve of the anniversary of the fall of Tripoli. On August 20, 2011, rebel fighters liberated the city during the eight-month civil war that toppled dictator Moammar Gadhafi's regime.

Gadhafi was captured and killed last October, but many Libyans are convinced that some of his associates remain at large around the country.

After Sunday's blasts, officials blamed Gadhafi loyalists, saying they were plotting attacks and seeking to spread fear among the public and prevent the country from returning to normal.