LONDON: British special forces are on the ground in Libya helping to lead the hunt for Muammar Gaddafi.

As a $1.6 million bounty was placed on his head, soldiers from 22 SAS Regiment began guiding rebel soldiers after being ordered in by the Prime Minister, David Cameron.

For the first time, defence sources have confirmed the SAS has been in Libya for several weeks, and played a key role in co-ordinating the battle for Tripoli.

Hardened fighters streamed into Tripoli yesterday as Libya's rebels sought to deliver a knockout punch to Gaddafi's diehards and to flush out the elusive strongman, dead or alive.