Saif al-Islam, one of the sons of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has vowed to take revenge for his father's death.

Gaddafi was killed Thursday by the National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters near his hometown of Sirte.

Al-Islam appeared on the Syria-based Alrai TV channel on Saturday night with an appeal to his supporters, saying he was alive and staying in Libya and intended to fight to the bitter end against the rebels.

"We are continuing resistance. I am in Libya, I am alive and free and willing to fight to the end and take revenge," the TV channel loyal to the Gaddafi regime quoted him as saying.

A website of Gaddafi's supporters earlier posted a statement that Seif al-Islam had been named an heir to the Libyan dictator and charged with the command of forces fighting the rebels.

Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for 42 years, was captured by the National Transitional Council fighters seven months after an international West-led alliance launched a military operation in Libya March 19.

There is still much controversy over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The NTC officials claim he was caught in crossfire between loyalists and anti-Gaddafi troops but witnesses say he was shot dead point-blank by young rebels after being captured.

Gaddafi's body is currently being kept in a cold store in a shopping centre in Misrata, and hundreds of Libyans have been queuing to see it.

I think Saif is on the run. Avenging his father would be far too difficult a task. I must say this, "I admire his courage". Never knew a PH.D holder could be this defiant a fighter for the cause of his country. Unfortunately, I doubt if he would outlive the next few months

ROFL . . .  the man wants to die!!! I doubt that quote is from him.