NATO is denying speculation it is attempting to kill Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi amidst heavy attacks on his stronghold in the capital city, Tripoli. A series of explosions were heard overnight after NATO launched the most intense bombing of Tripoli in weeks. The targets reportedly included Gaddafi’s compound. NATO Brigadier General Claudio Gabellini said the bombing is aimed at undercutting the Gaddafi regime’s ability to order attacks on civilians.

Brig. Gen. Claudio Gabellini: “The first part of the operation has been dedicated to calm down the situation, to stabilize the situation, and to stop slaughtering of the civilians. And once done that, in a broader campaign design, now NATO is taking care about — I mean, taking out the capacity of Mr. Gaddafi to give orders to his troops to slaughter civilians. That’s why we are after command and control centers.”