Libya says NATO raids kill 718 civilians

Xinhua, June 1, 2011

Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said NATO air raids on Libya had killed as many as 718 civilians and wounded 4,067, Al-Jazeera TV reported Tuesday.

The world's major powers, the UK, the U.S. and France, started on March 19 to launch strikes from the air and sea against Gaddafi's forces after the UN Security Council passed a resolution to impose a no-fly zone over Libya and authorize "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya.

NATO has formally taken over full command and control of military operations against Libya from the U.S. on March 31.