U.S. Continues air strkes against Qaddafi

The U.S. military has continued to fly strike missions against Muammar Qaddafi's air defense systems in Libya since the handover of operations to NATO the past 4th of April.

Although U.S. has given the lead of the operation to NATO and said that wouldn't involve in direct warfare with Qaddafi's forces, it continues attacking their common enemy.

 The Defense Secretary testified to the House Armed Services that this would end soon.
"We will not be taking an active part in the strike activities, and we believe that our allies can sustain this for some period of time," Gates said.

 The U.S. has continued the military operations despite their statements. This affects directly the people and the exterior relations of the U.S. If they continue longer with this operation, the money spent would be much more than expected and for this the American population is unhappy. This is also significant because French and British leaders have complained in recent days that the U.S. is not doing enough to help the Libya mission, so the decission of either stopping the direct battle, or continue with  permanent military help must be done carefully.

U.S. air forces heading to strike Qaddafi's facilities.

Since April 4th Pentagon spokesmen have repeatedly said the U.S. is involved only in refuelling and ISR missions (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance). The Pentagon did not immediately provide the number of U.S. fighter jets that are currently being used by NATO, nor did it have the number of strike missions flown since April 4th.

Damage caused by air strikes in Lybia the past April 16th