The top commander of U.S. operations in Libya said Tuesday that forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi continue to attack opposition groups in the country, forcing the coalition to intensify strikes in the upcoming hours and days.
Navy Adm. Samuel Locklear told reporters on a video conference at the Pentagon that as the “capability of the coalition grows…we’ll be able to have more time sensitive targeting” in Libya. Qatar is expected to increase its presence by the weekend, he said.
The no-fly zone area of operations has been expanded, he said. The coalition will continue monitoring and targeting “Gadhafi forces that are not complying with the UN Resolution.” If Gadhafi abides by the resolution the bombardments will stop, he said. Locklear also told reporters that he has not spoken with opposition forces.
Intelligence reports confirm that Gadhafi forces continue to mount ground assaults in various areas of Libya, specifically the city of Misurata, where fighting continues unabated. According to reports in the region Tuesday, Gadhafi-backed forces continue to shell the city and deaths of civilians, including children, continue to increase in Misurata.
