The U.S., Britain and France are vowing to continue their military operation in Libya until Col. Muammar Gaddafi is overthrown. In a joint statement, the three said, “It is unthinkable that someone who has tried to massacre his own people can play a part in their future government… Col. Gaddafi must go, and go for good.” The assertion goes beyond the United Nations mandate authorizing air strikes to protect civilians and impose a no-fly zone. The rebel stronghold in the city of Misurata continues to come under intense fire from Gaddafi’s forces. Witnesses say some 120 rockets were fired at Misurata earlier today, killing eight people and wounding seven others. Around 23 people were killed in attacks by pro-Gaddafi forces on Thursday. Meanwhile in Tripoli, a government spokesperson claimed international air strikes have killed a number of civilians.

Spokesperson: “A few civilians who were killed today here in Tripoli, I know that three men who were walking by a checkpoint were killed immediately here in Tripoli, the south of Tripoli. I know that there are two men also killed in Sirte today.”