UK and France ‘drop Gaddafi’ call

Libyan rebels have seized control of several towns from forces loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi

British jets have launched missiles against ammunition bunkers in the Sabha area of southern Libya, the Ministry of Defence has said.

It said initial reports suggested the bunkers, being used by Col Muammar Gaddafi’s government to attack the opposition-held city of Misrata, had been destroyed.

Twenty-two tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery pieces, were hit by the RAF Tornado jets at the weekend.

They flew from RAF Marham in Norfolk.

The British jets are part of allied air raids intended to protect Libya’s civilian population amid the uprising against Col Gaddafi’s rule.

Major General John Lorimer, who represents the Chief of the Defence Staff, said: “Following the retreat of Col Gaddafi’s forces from most of the coastal towns east of Sirte, RAF Tornados have joined other coalition aircraft patrolling over Misrata where, despite significant losses as a result of air strikes, the regime continues to mount attacks on the town.

“Storm Shadow missiles were launched against ammunition bunkers used to re-supply Libyan government troops attacking civilians in the north of the country, including Misrata.

“Initial reports suggest that the bunkers have been destroyed and that the Libyan government has been denied ammunition it uses to threaten civilians in the north of the country.”

Meanwhile, coalition air raids have hit Gaddafi’s birthplace of Sirte, a key target for westward-advancing rebels.

They came as Nato took full command of the whole military operation in Libya.

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