Libya: Coalition Airstrikes Enter 6th Day

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Several explosions were reported east of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, Thursday, as a U.N.-approved military operation to enforce a no fly zone over the country entered its sixth day.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said the coalition airstrikes are aimed at protecting the civilian population and are targeting only military sites.

On Wednesday, forces loyal to leader Moammar Ghadafi had resumed their assault on Libya’s third largest city Misrata, after Western planes temporarily halted the government’s attacks with a series of airstrikes.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) launches a Tomahawk missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. This was one of approximately 110 cruise missiles fired from U.S. and British ships and submarines that targeted about 20 radar and anti-aircraft sites along Libya's Mediterranean coast. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. (U.S. Navy photo by Fire Controlman 2nd Class Nathan Pappas/Released)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) launches a Tomahawk missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. This was one of approximately 110 cruise missiles fired from U.S. and British ships and submarines that targeted about 20 radar and anti-aircraft sites along Libya's Mediterranean coast. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. (U.S. Navy photo by Fire Controlman 2nd Class Nathan Pappas/Released)

A doctor in Misrata said pro-Gadhafi forces were shelling indiscriminately, including near the city’s only hospital, and that snipers were firing on civilians from rooftops. However, Libya’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Kaim insisted Thursday there were no military operations on the ground in Misrata.

Loyalist forces also continued their assaults Wednesday on the rebel-held cities of Zintan and Ajdabiya.

U.S. Rear Admiral Gerard Hueber said Wednesday the coalition was directing its firepower against Gadhafi’s ground forces that are “attacking civilian populations in cities,” including mechanized units, artillery and mobile missile sites.

Coalition airstrikes against Libyan military positions started last Saturday and have continued throughout this week.

A senior British military officer said Wednesday coalition forces have gained control of Libya’s airspace. Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell also said Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s air force “no longer exists as a fighting force.”

Thousands of people marched through the streets of the rebel stronghold Benghazi on Wednesday to show their support for the coalition’s no-fly zone over Libya.

NATO is moving to assume responsibility for the no-fly zone set up under United Nations’ authorization to protect civilians. Juppe says NATO will take an “operational” role in applying flight restrictions over Libya.

VOA

The VOA is the Voice of America

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