Nato concludes operations in Libya

Nato’s triumphant, seven-month air campaign against Libya has ended, setting the country on the path to a democratic transition less than two weeks after the capture and killing of ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

The alliance turned down a Libyan request to extend the protective umbrella for a few more weeks, apparently eager to exit on a high note and wrap up a costly mission at a time of financial austerity.