Type-42 Destroyer to start pounding command and control centres - major Navy assault will begin this week

BRITISH destroyer HMS Liverpool was last night preparing to shell targets in Libya and quicken the downfall of tyrant Colonel Gaddafi.

Defence chiefs have ordered the Type-42 Destroyer to start pounding command and control centres and boost the ill-equipped rebels.

Until now Britain has only used RAF Tornado and Typhoon warplanes and a nuclear submarine.

But sources close to the mission told The Sun a major Navy assault will begin this week. The source said: "Final details are being hammered out now but they are looking to strike over the next few days. When they do, Gaddafi won't know what's hit him."

Under fire ... Gaddafi

HMS Liverpool has been helping to enforce a blockade of Libya to prevent arms being shipped to bolster Gaddafi's murderous offensive.

The crew have been forced to watch as the rebel stronghold in the coastal town of Misrata has been repeatedly hit by Gaddafi tanks and artillery. The Mad Dog's forces launched a new offensive there yesterday. Four or five tanks, which had been concealed at the Government-held airport to avoid Nato air strikes, were used.

At least six people were killed and dozens wounded.

Now the Navy will step in to the fight, although it is not known if Gaddafi command centres in Misrata will be the target. But the use of the ship will be seen as Nato ratcheting up the offensive.

A Navy source said: "We are going to step up the attack on Libya this week. Everyone is a bit nervous but we know that Gaddafi cannot stay as leader."

more -- http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3559834/British-destroyer-HMS-Liverpool-prepares-to-shell-targets-in-Libya-and-quicken-fall-of-Gaddafi.html

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