CIA has deployed covert operatives in Libya to gather intelligence for US-led airstrikes in the country
NATO assumed command of all operations in Libya from on Thursday, taking over from a US-led coalition that has conducted air raids since March 19.
The 28-nation alliance "took sole command of international air operations over Libya," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in a statement. "In line with the mandate of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, NATO's focus is on protecting civilians and civilian-populated areas against the threat of attack," Rasmussen said.
Warplanes and other military assets from several allies began to operate under the NATO umbrella on Wednesday and the process was completed on Thursday, the alliance said. A NATO diplomat said the operation began a day later than planned "because of the complexity" of the transfer, with dozens of warplanes required to switch from national to alliance command.
Alliance ships have been enforcing an arms embargo off Libya's coast since last week and NATO planes began on Sunday policing the skies to prevent Moammer Gaddafi jets from flying.
The US president, in the meantime, has signed a secret bill to authorize covert operations allegedly in support of the Libyan revolutionaries who are fighting to topple Gaddafi. American government officials said on Wednesday that the Obama signed the secret presidential finding during the past two or three weeks, Reuters reported.
“I will reiterate what the president said yesterday - no decision has been made about providing arms to the opposition or to any group in Libya," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
Meanwhile, other reports say the CIA has deployed covert operatives in Libya to gather intelligence for US-led airstrikes in the country.
On Wednesday, two US congressmen, Timothy Johnson and Justin Amash, introduced a draft bill that sought to slash funding for US military operations in Libya.
The Republican House Representatives say Obama does not have the constitutional authority to launch a military action unless there is an imminent threat against the US. The Pentagon has said that the Libyan intervention has cost US taxpayers nearly USD 550 million so far. These costs are expected to remain at USD 40 million per month from now on.
