NATO targets Libyan state-owned TV satellite dishes

NATO justified the attack by saying it was intended to stop "inflammatory broadcasts" by Col Muammar Gaddafi's regime. NATO also added it was in the process of assessing the effect of the strike.

A NATO statement said that "our intervention was necessary as TV was being used as an integral component of the regime apparatus designed to systematically oppress and threaten civilians and to incite attacks against them.”

It said the strike would "reduce the regime's ability to oppress civilians" but also "preserve television broadcast infrastructure that will be needed after the conflict".

It added the strike was "performed by NATO fighter aircraft using state-of-the-art precision guided munitions", and that there had been "due consideration and careful planning to minimise the risks of casualties".

Libyan state TV was still on air following the NATO statement, however confirming that civilian targets had been hit, even though this could not be verified.

Reports from Tripoli said a series of loud explosions were heard in the city centre late on Friday evening.

Coalition forces began operations in Libya in March, under a UN mandate authorising military action for the protection of civilians.

Libyan rebels began an uprising against Col Gaddafi in February. Despite NATO’s intervention, they have struggled to break a military deadlock.

The Libyan capital has been a regular target for NATO air strikes in recent weeks.