US' first unmanned Predator attack destroys Libyan govt. multiple rocket launcher

Washington, Apr 24 (ANI): The US military has confirmed that its first attack by an unmanned Predator drone aircraft has destroyed a Libyan government multiple rocket launcher near Misrata.

Several hours after the Pentagon confirmed the strike, NATO revealed that the "Gaddafi regime multiple rocket launcher (MRL) in the vicinity of Misrata" was targeted.

"The MRL system had been used against civilians in Misrata," the BBC quoted the alliance, as saying in a statement.

Yesterday, Libya's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim had said that the army of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi might hand over the task of fighting rebels to local tribes over fears of being struck by NATO airstrikes.

However, a rebel military spokesman in Benghazi, said that Gaddafi was "playing games" and would not allow his forces to leave Misrata.

"This is misinformation. Gaddafi would never pull out of Misrata, it is too important too him. "We have just spoken to somebody from Misrata who is now in Benghazi - a member of the Bushaala tribe, one of the largest in Misrata," he said.

"He says that the claims by the Gaddafi government are not true. All local tribes are fighting against Gaddafi's troops, not with them," the spokesman added.

On Thursday, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates announced that President Barack Obama had approved air strikes in support of the NATO-led mission because that was where the US had "some unique capabilities". (ANI)