Tripoli's premier hotel becomes a bunker for journalists held captive

Celebration shots fired as rebels break in. But Russian sources quote Gaddafi as saying he's "alive and well."

The reports came a day after a government official said Muammar Gaddafi's forces would pull out of Misurata.

Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros reported from some of the most dangerous places in the world and it cost them their lives.

Reports from NATO officials surfaced Wednesday that Gaddafi has spent $3.5 million "hiring hundreds of mercenaries" from North Africa to help him. 

Violence continued Saturday and Sunday in Libya where Gaddafi forces remain strong.

VIDEO: Battered rebels need better arms.

NATO reportedly accidentally struck rebel forces outside the town of Brega. Violence also leaves six civilians dead in Misurata. U.S. officials believe stalemate may be outcome in Libya.

Who are the rebels in Libya? He was one.

U.S. officials have some major concerns about arming the rebels, including possible links between the rebels and Al Qaeda. Others are worried about the price tag of the operations in Libya and fear getting more involved. A Defense Department spokeswoman said Tuesday that the U.S. intervention in Libya has cost "about $550 million" in extra spending thus far.