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NATO Admits to Accidental Strike on Libyan Rebels

   VOA News  April 08, 2011

Photo: AP

   A dust cloud is seen following the explosion of a missile, outside the
   strategic oil port of Brega, Libya, April 7, 2011.

   NATO has confirmed it was responsible for airstrikes that hit Libyan
   rebel tanks outside the eastern city of Brega Thursday, blaming the
   confusing situation on the ground.
   NATO deputy commander Russell Harding told reporters Friday that allied
   forces had never seen rebels operating tanks before. Rebel leaders say
   four people died in the strikes.
   Harding refused to apologize for the incident, saying the "fluid"
   situation in Brega made it difficult to distinguish who was operating
   the vehicles.
   The oil town has gone back and forth between rebel and government
   control during weeks of fighting, with both sides advancing and
   retreating.
   Meantime, United Nations investigators say they will examine human
   rights violations committed by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar
   Gadhafi and by rebel fighters.
   War crimes expert Cherif Bassiouni, who is heading the three-member
   commission of inquiry said they will travel to Libya Sunday and will
   travel to the east and west before returning at the end of the month.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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