NATO Strikes Military Command and Control Node

  • 20 Jun. 2011 -
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  • Last updated: 20 Jun. 2011 20:42

NAPLES – NATO is aware of allegations that a NATO strike targeted a residential building in the vicinity of Sorman, west of Tripoli, in the early hours of Monday morning.

After careful checking, NATO can confirm that it did conduct a strike in that area at the time. This was a precision strike on a legitimate military target -- a command and control node which was directly involved in coordinating systematic attacks on the Libyan people. 

While NATO cannot confirm reports of casualties, we would regret any loss of  civilian life and we go to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties. This is in stark contrast to the Qadhafi regime, which continues its policy of systematic and sustained violence against the people of Libya. 

The facility which was struck was identified as a command and control node through rigorous analysis based on persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance carried out over a prolonged period of time. NATO does not target specific individuals.

“This strike will greatly degrade the Qadhafi regime forces’ ability to carry on their barbaric assault against the Libyan people,” said Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard, Commander of Operation Unified Protector.

NATO will continue its mission to protect the people of Libya, in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.