Nato to take over Libyan operation

Rasmussen said the US-led military alliance's mandate did not go beyond the no-fly zone but Nato could also act in self-defence.

Rasmussen contradicted an earlier statement by Turkey's foreign minister that Nato would take command of all coalition military operations in Libya.

"At this moment, there will still be a coalition operation and a Nato operation," Rasmussen said, adding that talks were continuing on possibly giving Nato a wider role.

Last night allied forces continued to pound a number of Libyan cities with missiles and airstrikes.

Military installations in Tripoli and Misurata were targeted throughout the night.