Demonstrators cheer Gadhafi in Libya’s capital

From Jomana Karadsheh, CNN

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) — Crowds of Libyans took to the streets of Tripoli in the early hours of Thursday, honking horns and dancing in the streets in support of the country’s leader Moammar Gadhafi.

More than 100 people outside the headquarters of state television chanted “God, Moammar and Libya only” and other pro-Gadhafi and anti-rebel slogans.

The demonstrations were apparently a response to state TV reports that parts of the rebel capital Benghazi were “rejecting the colonialists and their followers,” as the government describes NATO and the rebels.

But CNN journalists in Benghazi saw no indications of counter-revolutionary uprisings or protests there.

A group of journalists, including a CNN team, were taken by government minders to see the celebrations in Tripoli.

Among the predominantly young male crowds, there were a number of families — including fathers carrying children on their shoulders.

One woman, who brought her 10 year-old-daughter, carried a portrait of the Libyan leader and said they were out celebrating their country being united again.

Many then drove off towards Tripoli’s Green Square singing and honking their horns, waving Libya’s green flag and portraits of Gadhafi.

But residents in Benghazi said they had not seen or heard of pro-Gadhafi rallies there.

Two months ago, Gadhafi loyalists in Tripoli erupted in similar cheer when state media incorrectly reported that Tobruk and Benghazi had falled to government troops.

Gadhafi has been fighting to keep control of his country in the face of an uprising that has led to a number of key cities falling into rebel hands.

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court this week requested a warrant for Gadhafi’s arrest on charges of crimes against humanity.

CNN’s Ben Wedeman contributed to this report.