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NATO extends Libyan bombing campaign
Updated
NATO is extending its bombing campaign in Libya for another 90 days, as forces loyal to former leader Moamar Gaddafi continue to resist a military assault by rebel fighters.
Eight of the 28 NATO nations have taken part in air strikes since the mission began and have flown 23,350 sorties, including 8,751 raids against targets such as command centres, armoured vehicles and missile sites.
The NATO campaign was due to expire next week, but secretary-general Anders Fogh Rasmussen says warplanes will stay in the air as long as Libyan civilians are under threat.
Mr Rasmussen said the mission would be under constant review and could be called off at any time if circumstances change.
He said the NATO mission had been "remarkably successful" in protecting civilians, but said the threat against them remained.
"This decision sends a clear message to the Libyan people. We will be there for as long as necessary but not a day longer while you take your future in your hands to ensure a safe transition to the new Libya," he said.
Meanwhile, rebel fighters have declared victory in the battle for the key city of Sabha in Libya's south, one of the last pockets of resistance by pro-Gaddafi forces.
There were also reports fighters had captured the southern oasis town of Jufra, about 700 kilometres south-east of Tripoli, where rebels suspect a large arms cache to be stored.
Rebels are still struggling to capture the cities of Bani Walid, south-east of Tripoli, and Moamar Gaddafi's home town of Sirte.
ABC/Reuters
