Scholar calls for fatwa for Libyan peace

TRIPOLI, Libya, July 25 (UPI) -- A Muslim scholar called for a fatwa Monday to force Libyan rebels to cease fire and NATO aircraft to end their mission of bombing Libyan military targets.

Hamoud bin Nafei Al Anzi, a Saudi Arabian, also criticized prominent Muslim leaders and the Arab League for joining the fight against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi five months ago, the International Business Times reported.

"I have been to many places bombed by the crusaders [NATO forces] in Libya," said Anzi, explaining that he was speaking for himself and not Saudi Arabia. "These crusaders are only killing the Libyan people without discrimination and destroying the country."

"I appeal for all our Muslim scholars and intellects to issue a fatwa [religious edict] for those who are fighting the government and their own people to put their arms down and join their brothers on the negotiating table," Anzi said during a broadcast on Libyan state-run television.

"I acknowledge there are mistakes but mistakes must not be tackled by bigger mistakes," he said. "For God's sake, stop the bloodshed."

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches next week, European leaders had expected the conflict to be winding down instead of dragging on, the BBC reported. Observers said two things have bogged things down for the rebels -- the lack of good weapons and ammunition and the lack of proper organization and accountability from the rebels to NATO so an agreement to coordinate efforts can be struck.

NATO officials said the alliance will -- with support of rebels -- bomb during Ramadan if it sees targets.

Rebel fighters likely will fast throughout the day, although the Koran says fighters can receive a dispensation, the BBC said.

British Forces News reported an operation Saturday in which Paveway guided bombs smashed into the outer and inner perimeter walls at Gadhafi's compound, Bab al-Aziziyah.

"Gadhafi has for decades hidden from the Libyan people behind these walls," said Maj. Gen. Nick Pope, a spokesman for the Defense Ministry. "The vast Bab al-Aziziyah compound is not just his personal residence, but more importantly is also the main headquarters for his regime, with command and control facilities and an army barracks all part of the same fortified site."

In other British airstrikes as part of the NATO operation, warplanes on patrol near Zlitan hit four buildings NATO confirmed were used as a command-and-control center and staging area for government troops.