NATO admits mistakenly striking Libyan opposition forces
NATO expressed regret Saturday after its aircraft mistakenly struck vehicles aligned with the Libyan opposition in the key and hotly contested eastern oil city of al-Brega. Al-Brega is east of Tripoli and west of the rebels' headquarters in Benghazi.
NATO did not provide details as to how many people, if any, died or were injured in Thursday's strike. In its statement, NATO said that "a column of military vehicles, including tanks," were spotted Thursday around al-Brega where Gadhafi forces "had recently been operating." During what it called "a particularly complex and fluid battle scenario," leaders in the military alliance ordered a strike after determining these vehicles posed "a threat to civilians."
"We regret any possible loss of life or injuries caused by this unfortunate incident," NATO said in its statement.
"Whoops! Sorry 'bout that." |
Posted by: Steve White 2011-06-19 |