U.S. pushing UN to authorize aerial bombing of tanks and heavy artillery
The U.S. is pushing for the UN to authorize aerial bombing of Libyan tanks and heavy artillery, now that pro-Gadhafi forces have reportedly begun a siege of the rebel stronghold at Benghazi. While the Obama administration has been hesitant to appear interventionist in the Libyan crisis, it is eager to support the rebels and no longer believes that a no-fly zone over Libya is an adequate enough solution. Any international intervention would have to have the backing of Libya’s Arab neighbours, which was given, in effect, last week when the Arab League voted on a resolution to back UN Security Council action. Meanwhile, Said al-Islam Gadhafi said he expects the rebel uprising to be defeated within 48 hours. Libyan rebels, however, were successful in shooting down at least two bomber planes and have commandeered tanks and helicopters as they struggle to defend their stronghold at Benghazi.