NATO blasts shake Tripoli as Hague meets rebels

June 6, 2011 defpro.com

NATO on Sunday pounded Tripoli hours after Britain's top diplomat met rebel chiefs in Libya and Russia voiced concerns the alliance's military operation is sliding towards a land campaign.

Warplanes launched intensive air raids on the Libyan capital and its eastern suburbs, where several explosions were heard, as NATO kept up its pressure on strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

British Foreign Minister William Hague yesterday met leaders of rebels who have been fighting to oust Gaddafi after NATO deployed attack helicopters for the first time.

"We are here today for one principal reason to show our support for the Libyan people and for the National Transitional Council, the legitimate representative of the Libyan people," Hague said in a statement.

Hague, accompanied by international development minister Andrew Mitchell, held talks with the head of the rebel National Transitional Council Mustafa al-Jalil.

He also toured Benghazi's landmark seafront as well as a medical centre treating war wounded.

"Gaddafi should leave immediately," Hague said.

He told reporters Britain would also support demining efforts in Misrata, the main rebel-held city in western Libya, and deliver "more equipment, uniforms, bullet-proof jackets" to rebel fighters.

Hours after Hague's trip to the rebel capital, a series of NATO air strikes targeted Tripoli. (DD India)