NATO confirms attacks on Libyan rebels' tanks

"Two of our strikes yesterday may have result in deaths of a number of TNC (the Transitional National Council) forces who were operating in battle tanks. The incidence took place northeast of Brega," Rear Admiral Russell Harding said via video conference from Naples.

"The situation in this area is still very fluid, with tanks and other vehicles moving in different directions, making it very difficult to distinguish who maybe operating them. In addition, until this time, we have not seen the TNC operating tanks," he said.

The bombing appeared to be the second friendly fire strike by NATO aircraft in less than a week. On Saturday, a NATO air strike killed 13 rebel fighters near Brega, who were firing into the air to celebrate.

Harding said that the alliance's mission was to protect civilians in Libya and would remain impartial.

If the anti-Gaddafi forces threatened or attacked civilians, they would become targets of NATO strikes, he indicated; Kazinform cites Xinhua.

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