Sunday, March 20, 2011

U.S. and Allies Launch Attacks on Libya

According to CNN:

Explosions and gunfire were heard throughout the skies above Libya throughout Saturday and Sunday. British, French, and U.S. forces assaulted military positions in Tripoli using missiles and air force strikes. The attacks came when the coalition deemed that Libyan president Muammar Gadhafi was not following a cease-fire mandated by the United Nations. The strikes on Libya are supposedly the first phase of a military operation that will include a no-fly zone enforced over the country. President Gadhafi called for other Islamic nations, as well as Asia and Latin America, to "stand with the Libyan people in its fight against this aggression." He also declared that the U.N.'s cease-fire allowed the nation to defend itself in a "war zone" and that he will open weapons depots. Libyan military officials state that attacks occurring late Saturday night killed almost 50 people. However, these reports are yet to be confirmed.

Sunday also saw several airstrikes made on a Libyan military compound in Tripoli belonging to Gadhafi. Coalition military leaders state that the compound was targeted to weaken Gadhafi's ability to command and control his forces. It was stated, however, that Gadhafi himself was not the target. The Libyan president's whereabouts are currently unknown.

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