Authorities in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi have seized rockets believed to have been prepared for attacks on the first anniversary of the start of the revolt against the rule of Muammar Gaddafi, broadcaster Al Arabiya reported Friday, February 17.

Around 76 rockets had been seized in a suburban area of Benghazi, the birthplace of the anti-Gaddafi uprising, the Dubai-based television station added, citing security sources.

A group of people were also held in Benghazi carrying Gaddafi portraits, as the city was set to celebrate the revolt later Friday, the broadcaster added without giving details.

The news came as Libyan authorities tightened security across the country for fear that Gaddafi loyalists would mount terror attacks to mar Friday's festivities.

The head of the interim ruling National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, threatened in a televised address late Thursday to quash attempts to destabilize Libya.

Gaddafi, who ruled the North African country for 42 years, was captured and killed in his hometown Sirte in October, after an armed eight-month conflict with his opponents, M&C reported citing DPA.