Gaddafi forces fired 3 Scuds at Misrata

2011-08-23 15:12

Brussels - Forces loyal to defiant Libyan leader Muammar gaddafi fired three Scud missiles in the direction of Misrata during Monday fighting, a Nato spokesperson told AFP on Tuesday.

"We can confirm reports concerning the firing of three surface-to-surface Scud missiles from the vicinity of Sirte," chief Nato spokesperson Oana Lungescu said of ongoing resistance despite rebels entering Tripoli on Sunday.

"They landed in the coastal area of Misrata, most likely in the sea or on the shore," she said, adding "we are not aware of damage or casualties".

The United States and Nato said on August 15 that Gaddafi forces had used the Scud for the first time since Nato began an air campaign against the regime on March 19.

"The use of such Scud-type missiles presents a threat to civilians," Lungescu said. "They are a weapon of terror, it is utterly irresponsible."

Libya has an estimated 240 of the ballistic missiles in its arsenal, and its "Scud B" model has a range of about 300km, according to the Jane's Defence military journal.

The UN Security Council Resolution 1973 authorised Nato in March to defend Libya's civilian population from attacks by Gaddafi’s regime, which faces a popular revolt after 42 years in power.

- AFP