Nato forces have destroyed 17 Libyan tanks as the rebel city of Misratah came under sustained attack from forces loyal to dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Sources said Nato aircraft hit 15 tanks near the western city of Misratah, where Colonel Gaddafi's forces are attacking rebels, and two south of Brega in the east of the country.
Nato's commander of Libyan operations said the alliance, which took command of air strikes against Col Gaddafi on March 31, had destroyed "a significant percentage" of his armoured forces in the past 24 hours as well as ammunition stockpiles east of the capital, Tripoli.
Canadian Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard also accused Gaddafi's forces of using civilians as human shields to deter Nato forces from attacking them, adding to similar charges made by other Western commanders.
"We have observed horrific examples of regime forces deliberately placing their weapons systems close to civilians, their homes and even their places of worship," Lt Gen Bouchard said in a statement.
"Troops have also been observed hiding behind women and children. This type of behaviour violates the principles of international law and will not be tolerated." Read More
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