May 01, 2011 at 19:57
The Libyan regime says a NATO raid killed a son of Moamer Kadhafi and three grandchildren, but that the strongman escaped unhurt in what it called a deliberate attempt to assassinate him. of dark grey dust covered the grounds.
It appeared improbable anyone inside could have survived.
NATO vowed more strikes, although the commander of Operation Unified Protector stressed that "we do not target individuals."
"All NATO's targets are military in nature and have been clearly linked to the ... regime's systematic attacks on the Libyan population and populated areas," said Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard.
The statement said the raids would continue until all attacks and threats against civilians had ceased and until all of Kadhafi's forces, "including his snipers, mercenaries and paramilitary forces have verifiably withdrawn to their bases, and until there is full, free and unhindered access to humanitarian aid to all those in Libya who need it."
On Saturday, Kadhafi said NATO "must abandon all hope of his departure," adding that he would "not leave my country and will fight to the death."
But he proposed talks with France and the United States, without preconditions, an offer that was rejected by NATO and the rebels.
"We will not surrender, but I call on you to negotiate. If you want petrol, we will sign contracts with your companies -- it is not worth going to war over.
TNC vice chairman Abdul Hafiz Ghoga responded by saying "the time for compromise has passed.
"The people of Libya cannot possibly envisage or accept a future Libya in which Kadhafi's regime plays any role."
In Brussels, a NATO official said: "We need to see not words but actions."
Kadhafi's regime has threatened to attack ships trying to dock in rebel-held Misrata, a crucial conduit for humanitarian aid to the city of half a million, which regime forces have been trying to capture for more than seven weeks.
Thirteen powerful blasts rocked Misrata late on Saturday as NATO warplanes raided targets in areas where pro-Kadhafi forces appeared to be deployed, an AFP journalist said.
Early on Sunday a salvo of rockets hit the city, and an AFP correspondent said two rebels had been killed and five wounded when a mortar round hit their house.
Loyalist forces were pushed back from Misrata by the rebels and air strikes last Monday, with the rebels saying they had secured the port and their next objective was the airport.
But state television said the military had "put the port out of service," and that humanitarian aid to Misrata should now be delivered "overland and under the supervision of the armed forces."