Libya conflict
May 24, 2011
The Libyan government said at least three people were killed and 150 wounded as NATO warplanes hit the capital, Tripoli, early Tuesday.
Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said NATO had carried out "between 12 and 18 raids on a barracks of the people's guard" volunteer units, which backs up the army.
"The barracks was empty. Most of the victims were civilians living nearby," Ibrahim added.
The latest airstrikes were believed to be the heaviest since the air campaign began two months ago.
According to reports, smoke was seen rising from the compound of Libyan leader Moammer Gadhafi following initial strikes.
NATO, meanwhile, said it had struck a government vehicle storage facility near Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziya residence, which the alliance said was used in "resupplying the regime forces that have been conducting attacks against innocent civilians."
On Monday, top French ministers announced that France and Britain were deploying attack helicopters to strike Gadhafi's forces in a shift in tactics. France and Britain have repeatedly advocated an intensification of the NATO-led campaign.
Tripoli is targeted nearly daily with air raids by the international coalition, which launched strikes on March 19 to prevent strongman Gadhafi's forces from attacking civilians.
Author: Darren Mara (AFP, dpa)
Editor: Martin Kuebler