Pentagon: U.S. will play limited role in Libya

From Staff Reports

The French, British or NATO will take over the Libya military mission within in the next two days, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Sunday, March 20.

Gates said President Barack Obama understands the U.S. must play a role in the operation against Moammar Gadhafi, however, the White House does not wish to place further stress on U.S. military forces.

“We will have a military role in the coalition,” Gates said in his first public appearance since the bombings began in Libya. “(But) will not have the preeminent role.”

American ships and aircraft led initial strikes in Libya, taking out missile sites, communications towers and radar unites along the Mediterranean coast.

Meantime, Gadhafi promised a “long war,” if Western forces continue to strike.

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