London still in the fight in Libya

LONDON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- London stands by the transitional government in Libya as NATO-led forces continue their assaults from the skies over the North African state, an official said.

Rebels opposing the regime of Moammar Gadhafi took control of Tripoli in August. NATO forces, operating under a U.N. Security Council mandate, began missions over Libya in March to protect civilians from attacks from Gadhafi loyalists.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague told lawmakers London would continue its involvement in Libya as the National Transitional Council continues to exert its authority.

"We are supporting the TNC's own plans for political transition in Libya, through the friends of Libya group and the allocation of up to $32.5 million in U.K. funding for stabilization, including for the rule of law, police, elections, essential basic services and the removal of mines and unexploded ordnance," he said.

He added British forces have flown roughly 3,000 sorties over Libya, striking an estimated 1,000 targets belonging to the former regime.

The British Ministry of Defense, in an operational update Friday, said Royal Navy ships and Royal Air Force aircraft were engaging targets over Sirte, one of the last holdouts of Gadhafi loyalists.

Gadhafi has been on the run since August. He's wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity allegedly committed since February.