Libya air strikes extended, another Gaddafi official defects

The United States said it will continue its air strikes, at NATO’s request, because of “recent poor weather in Libya.” The US military had previously planned to begin withdrawing its combat jets and Tomahawk missiles from air campaign against Libya’s regime. NATO allies were to take the lead.

As the air strike extension was planned, another official, formerly loyal to Gaddafi, has defected. Former foreign minister and UN General Assembly president Ali Treiki has defected, following foreign minister Mussa Kussa’s defection earlier.

Meanwhile, a British delegation is in Benghazi for talks with the Transitional National Council (TNC). A British Foreign Office spokesperson said the team was led by Christopher Prentice.

The spokesperson said the aim of the trip was to “engage with key figures” on the TNC, “build on the work of the previous team and seek to establish further information” about the council and its aims.