NAPLES–(ENEWSPF)–24 September 2011. In the last twenty-four hours, NATO aircraft, as part of Operation Unified Protector struck a series of targets Qadhafi forces used in order to threaten the civilian population of Sirte. Among the targets were: an ammunition storage facility, an anti aircraft gun, a command and control node, and two armed vehicles.
NATO has employed careful planning and precision munitions as we have done throughout the campaign.
In recent days some open-source and intelligence and dozens of eyewitness accounts in Sirte have described worsening conditions precipitated by Qadhafi forces. The brutal nature of their acts, signify a defunct regime in its final days.
Among the reports emerging from Sirte are executions, hostage-taking, and the calculated targeting of individuals, families, and communities within the city. Hundreds of families are being prevented from their desired evacuation by the absence of safety and fuel. Other resources required for survival including water, medicine, and food are in short supply or denied to civilians. Mercenaries roam the streets and civilians lack access to outside information. These conditions have persisted for days while Qadhafi forces maintain control likely resulting in a severe situation.
NATO Operation Unified Protector commenced in order to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.
Source: nato.int
