Allies: Strikes go on until Gadhafi gone

TRIPOLI, Libya, April 15 (UPI) -- Allied military operations will continue in Libya as long as Moammar Gadhafi remains in power, British, French and U.S. leaders vowed.

The pledge by U.S. President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy part of a joint commentary they wrote in which they stressed their commitment to military action in Libya to protect its citizens from Gadhafi. It was published Friday in several international newspapers.

"It is unthinkable that someone who has tried to massacre his own people can play a part in their future government," the commentary read. "The brave citizens of those towns that have held out against forces that have been mercilessly targeting them would face a fearful vengeance if the world accepted such an arrangement. It would be an unconscionable betrayal."

The article said Gadhafi must "go and go for good" and noted he has promised to conduct terrorist attacks "against civilian ships and airliners."

"And because he has lost the consent of his people any deal that leaves him in power would lead to further chaos and lawlessness," the commentary said. "We know from bitter experience what that would mean. Neither Europe, the region nor the world can afford a new safe haven for extremists."

So long as Gadhafi remains in power, "NATO and its coalition partners must maintain their operations so that civilians remain protected and the pressure on the regime builds."

Britain, France and the United "will not rest" until the U.N. Security Council resolutions against Libya have been implemented and the Libyan people "can choose their own future," the commentary said.

News reports indicate Misurata, a rebel-held city under siege for six weeks, was attacked again Friday by pro-Gadhafi forces. A doctor told al-Jazeera eight people were killed in the latest bombardment. Residents said about 120 rockets hit the city Friday morning.

In Tripoli, NATO forces conducted three airstrikes in and around the capital, hitting a missile battery and other targets, al-Jazeera reported.

Late Thursday, Gadhafi's daughter, Aisha Gadhafi, spoke before supporters, accusing Western leaders of "insulting" Libyans, the BBC reported.

"To speak of Gadhafi's resignation is a humiliation for all Libyans," she said during a rally.

Earlier Thursday, Libyan TV showed what appeared to be Gadhafi driving through Tripoli surrounded by cheering supporters as he stood through the sunroof of a car, pumping his fists into the air.