NATO intensifies bombing to aid rebel push

Libyan rebel soldiers stand guard in Libya. File Photo

A senior Libyan official is accusing NATO of intensifying its bombing of the country to lay the groundwork for a rebel advance toward the capital.

Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim told The Associated Press in an interview early on Thursday that the alliance’s increased bombings represent the “final phase” of its air campaign. But he says the push will fail and that civilians will be the ones to pay the price.

Mr. Kaim also says Libyan government forces have evidence that Colombian mercenaries funded by the west and its Gulf Arab allies have joined the rebel fighters trying to advance toward Tripoli from the key western city of Misrata.

NATO began airstrikes against Libya in March. It is operating under a U.N. mandate to protect civilians.