In Libya, International forces have launched new air strikes near rebel-held western city of Misrata. According to reports, air strikes twice hit the airbase where Gaddafi's brigades are based. Misrata residents say, forces loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi initially pulled back, but snipers have continued to target people from rooftops. Two people were killed by snipers in the centre of the town. According to reports, Col Gaddafi's forces also resumed their pounding of Zintan, near the Tunisian border. The fighting comes as Western leaders debate who leads the intervention, with the US keen to hand over to Nato.An American Naval Commander said air strikes against Libya will now target any of Col. Gaddafi's ground forces, still attacking opposition held areas. The commander claimed that the bombing at Libyan tanks and artilleries was authorised by the U.N. resolution approving action to protect civilians. NATO said, member countries have pledged 16 war ships to enforce U.N. arms embargo against Libya. Turkey is said to have offered five of them. Meanwhile, UNESCO on Wednesday called on both Libya and multinational forces implementing a no-fly zone over the country to keep military operations away from cultural heritage sites. The Director General of UNESCO said, Libya is of great importance to humanity as a whole. Several major sites bear witness to the great technical and artistic achievements of the ancestors of the people of Libya and constitute a precious legacy. Libya has five sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
News On AIR | March 23, 2011 9:08 PM
International forces launch new air strikes near Libya's Misrata