Western nations launch air strikes in Libya, 48 killed; British and French planes begin patrolling the skies
A Libyan jet bomber crashes after being shot down in Benghazi on March 19, 2011 as Libya's rebel stronghold came under attack, with at least two air strikes and sustained shelling of the city's south sending thick smoke into the sky. AFP
A French fighter jet launched the first attack Saturday evening, destroying a Libyan military vehicle on the ground as British and French planes begin patrolling the skies.
US and British ships later fired more than 100 Tomahawk cruise missiles at more than 20 air defences by the western capital Tripoli, Gaddafi's stronghold, and the western city of Misrata.
In the air strikes, at least 48 people were killed and 150 others wounded, Xinhua reported Sunday.
Anti-aircraft gunfire was heard in Tripoli early Sunday as warplanes flew over the Libyan capital. Pro-Gaddafi supporters gathered in downtown Tripoli to protest against the air strikes.
French warplanes attacked an air defence site in Tajura, about 10 km east of Tripoli, and destroyed several armoured vehicles of the Libyan government troops near Benghazi, the last stronghold of Libyan rebels, Saturday night.
The US military said 112 Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from US and British warships and submarines at more than 20 targets in Libya.
Libyan Parliament Speaker Mohammed Abul-Qassim al-Zwai said at a press conference that foreign fighter jets hit Tripoli and Misurata, which caused many casualties.
Libyan state-run television said Sunday at least 48 people were killed and 150 wounded in the air strikes.
Earlier, President Barack Obama authorised limited military action against Libya on Saturday, saying Gaddafi's continued assault on his own people left the U.S. and its international partners with no other choice. The Pentagon said it fired 110 cruise missiles at 20 targets.
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