Residents claim Gaddafi using civilians as human shields

Coalition military forces were in action for a third consecutive night with reports of fierce anti-aircraft fire followed by explosions near Muammar Gaddafi’s compound in Tripoli.

Witnesses said a navy base at Bussetta, 10km east of the capital, and the dictator’s southern stronghold of Sebha had been hit by a bombardment as air defences and forces were targeted.

Libyan state television reported a new round of strikes were under way.

It came after British Prime Minister David Cameron secured comprehensive support from MPs for the military intervention in Libya – despite signs of friction in the Government over how to tackle Gaddafi.

The House of Commons in the UK endorsed the action by a margin of 557 to 13 after the Prime Minister reassured them: “This is not going to be another Iraq.”

However, a number of backbenchers used the six-hour debate to voice concerns about the “endgame” of airstrikes being led by the US, UK and France.

The vote came after Downing Street appeared to slap down the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) for dismissing direct targeting of Gaddafi himself.

General Sir David Richards bluntly stated that such a move was “not allowed” under UN security council resolution 1973.

His position was backed by the Leader of the Lords, Lord Strathclyde who said the dictator was “not a target”. The head of the US Africa command, General Carter Ham, also said it was not part of his mission to target Gaddafi.

But Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague and Defence Secretary Liam Fox have both refused to rule out the possibility of striking at Gaddafi as part of efforts to protect civilians.

Pressed on whether Mr Cameron had full confidence in Gen Richards and “everything he says”, the premier’s spokesman simply replied: “He has full confidence in the CDS.”

In the Commons, Mr Cameron made clear that he wanted to see the back of Gaddafi, although he accepted that ultimately it was a matter for the Libyan people.

“The UN resolution is limited in its scope. It explicitly does not provide legal authority for action to bring about Gaddafi’s removal from power by military means,” he said.

“It is for the Libyan people to determine their government and their destiny. But our view is clear – there is no decent future for Libya with Colonel Gaddafi remaining in power.”

Mr Cameron said the coalition missile strikes had “largely neutralised” the Libyan air defences, effectively securing a no-fly zone over the country.