The Libyan state TV said that 48 people had been killed in the US and European attacks. According to official announcements, the attacks since late Saturday have targeted Moammar Gaddafi's forces and air defenses, using cruise missiles and airstrikes. Libyan TV quoted the armed forces command as saying 48 people were killed and 150 injured in the assault. It said most of the casualties were children but gave no more details.
On his part, the Libyan leader vowed to defend his country from what he called "crusader aggression" and warned the involvement of international forces will subject the Mediterranean and North African region to danger and put civilians at risk.
Thousands of regime supporters, meanwhile, packed into the Bab al-Aziziya military camp in Tripoli where Gadhafi lives to protect against attacks. Anti-aircraft guns could be heard firing overnight in Tripoli.
