21/03/2011

UK Missile Strikes Continue In Libya

A second night of UK missile strikes has taken place in Libya.

As part of an international coalition with the US and France, UK forces are trying to protect civilians from Col Gaddafi's attacks.

RAF Tornado bombers launched Tomahawk missiles from a British submarine in the Mediterranean, however they aborted their mission due to civilians in the area.

A ceasefire was called on Friday by Col Gaddafi's government, however it was broken within hours. The coalition's launched it's first attacks on Saturday night.

The government is continuing to monitor the situation after the latest ceasefire was due to take effect on Sunday from 2100 Libyan local time.

The new National Security Council sub-committee on Libya held its second meeting at No 10 on Monday morning.

In an interview with the BBC, Foreign Secretary William Hague said the decision to cancel the Tornado strikes showed Britain took "the greatest care to avoid civilian casualties".

He did not confirm whether Col Gaddafi would be targeted in the military operations.

However Liam Fox, Defence Secretary added that targeting the Libyan leader directly was "a possibility".

(BMcN/KMcA)

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