Photo Gallery The Battle for Libya
A United Nations coalition continued to pound targets in Libya on Tuesday following last Friday's UN Security Council resolution authorized military force to protect civilians in the strife-torn country. Here, the pilot of an Italian fighter jet gestures prior to takeoff.
An American F-16 bomber lands at the Aviano air base in northern Italy on Tuesday following a sortie over Libya. Some 110 missiles have been launched against targets in the country since operations began on Saturday.
A US fighter jet went down in northeastern Libya on Tuesday not far from the rebel-held city of Benghazi. Both pilots ejected safely and are back in American hands. It is thought that a mechanical failure was to blame for the crash.
Despite the air support received by the UN alliance, rebels in Libya are having a hard time advancing against forces loyal to Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Here, rebels take cover from mortar fire.
Heavy fighting was reported south of Benghazi in the city of Ajdabiya on Monday. Here, rebel fighters arrive on the front line. The international intervention in Libya is likely to last "a while" said a senior French official on Monday.
Pro-Gadhafi forces have reportedly shelled the towns of Misrata and Zintan on Tuesday, killing dozens. Witnesses reported the use of snipers as well. On Monday, 40 people were reportedly killed in fighting in Misrata. This image shows smoke from a tank shell explosion outside of Ajdabiya.
There have been no signs since the offensive against Libya that Moammar Gadhafi is prepared to back down. Here, a Gadhafi supporter waves a regime flag on Green Square in the Libyan capital of Tripoli.
A Danish F-16 at the NATO air base in Sicily. Italy has made its air bases available to the coalition forces, but said that it might restrict the use of those bases if NATO does not take control over the military intervention. At present, it is under the control of the US, France and Great Britain.
The rubble left over after a missile destroyed an administrative building attached to Moammar Gadhafi's residence in Tripoli on Monday. The building is a mere 50 meters from the tent in which Gadhafi is fond of receiving guests.
A break in the action outside Ajdabiya on Monday. Rebels are highly motivated, but poorly organized in their battle against pro-Gadhafi forces.
Despite the bombs raining down on military targets in the country, Gadhafi supporters took to the streets of Tripoli for a pro-government march on Monday.
Meanwhile, rebels have been celebrating their good fortune with the establishment of a no-fly zone over the country. Yet despite the lack of air raids by Gadhafi jets, the fight continues to be bloody.
Pro-Gadhafi forces reportedly reached the outskirts of the rebel-held city of Benghazi on Tuesday. This image shows rebels retreating from whithering fire from Gadhafi's troops.
Libyans inspect a destroyed truck that had been loaded with weapons destined for Gadhafi troops.
Pro-Libya forces had managed in recent days to advance into the city of Benghazi before being pushed back. Here, a rebel fighter in the city during a late night gun battle.
