NATO bombed a target in the Libyan capital of Tripoli Monday in what the Libyan government claims was an attempt to zero in on Muammar Gaddafi.
According to NATO, Monday’s target was a “Communications Headquarter that was used to coordinate attacks against civilians” and was part of a two day series of strikes “in and around Misrata, Tripoli and Sirte.”
“We are bringing all our capabilities to bear on all parts of the Qadhafi regime that remain intent on harming the civilian population,” NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said in a statement. “As decided by the foreign ministers of NATO and operational partners, we will keep up the pressure until all attacks against civilians have stopped, Qadhafi’s forces have withdrawn to bases and full and unimpeded humanitarian access has been ensured.”
Moussa Ibrahim, a spokesperson for the Libyan government claims that the strike was against a known Gaddafi compound, but that the ruler was not present at the time.
“The message that was sent by NATO … was sent to the wrong address,” Ibrahim said.
The strike came amid mounting concerns from Republican leaders in Congress that not enough is being done to ensure the removal of Gaddafi. During a television appearance Sunday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, urged NATO to divide Gaddafi loyalists by increasing the focus on Tripoli.