US is preparing to pull its attack planes out of the coalition airstrikes in Libya

US is preparing to pull its attack planes out of the coalition airstrikes in Libya - as rebel fighters are pushed back to the eastern town of Brega by Colonel Gaddafi's advancing troops.


US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen said American combat missions would end on Saturday, with Nato partners and other coalition nations picking up the slack.
Mr Gates said no-one should be surprised by the move, but he called the timing "unfortunate".
After coalition airstrikes began on March 19, the rebels raced forward to recapture the towns of Ajdabiyah, Brega and Ras Lanuf.
Mr Mullen said 25% of Libyan military hardware had been destroyed.

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