NATO may continue Libya bombing during Ramadan

AP , Tuesday 12 Jul 2011

NATO says its warplanes may continue bombing Libya during Ramadan if Gaddafi's forces attack rebel-held areas during the holy month

NATO says it may continue bombing Libya during Ramadan (photo Reuters)

NATO spokesman Wing Cmdr. Mike Bracken said Tuesday the alliance would wait and see whether pro-Gaddafi units cease their operations during Ramadan, which starts around 1 August. If they don't "then I think it would be highly appropriate to continue to use the mandate that NATO has to protect those lives," he said.

The Western alliance is operating under a UN mandate that allows the use of force to protect civilians.

NATO is worried that bombing a Muslim nation during the month-long period of prayer, reflection and sunrise-to-sunset fasts could provoke a public backlash in the Islamic world.

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