Inside the Bab al-Aziziya compound – in pictures

Rebel forces penetrate Gaddifi's compound Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Man with the golden gun: a rebel totes a trophy firearm Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Two fingers for the Libyan dictator from a rebel fighter Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Looting goes on while the compound burns Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

A golf buggy taken from Gaddafi's headquarters provides unlikely transport for four armed rebels Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

The looting continues Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Fighters on foot poured into what had been the Libyan regime's inner sanctum Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

The rebels met with some resistance. Here, two men help a wounded comrade Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

An injured fighter is treated Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Rebel forces make the victory sign Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Flames and explosions in the compound sent clouds of black smoke high into the air Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

People gather in what was Green Square to celebrate Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Vehicles daubed with rebel slogans quickly assembled in the square Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Women and children were among the people celebrating Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

A soldier embraced a compatriot in Green Square. But where was the colonel? Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian