Libya says NATO airstrike hits residential area

Tripoli, Libya - The Libyan government said at least four civilians were killed Sunday in a NATO air strike that hit a residential area of ​​the capital, adding to charges that the alliance is striking non-military targets.

Journalists based in the Libyan capital have been taken by government officials in an area where rescue efforts were underway to destroy a building that seems to have been partially under construction.

The Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said the damage was caused by rockets and bombs of NATO. It was not immediately able to provide the number of victims, but said there were no military installations anywhere near the damaged building.

"It was intentional and deliberate targeting of civilian houses," said Vice Minister Khaled Kaim during a visit to the site shortly after reporters arrived. "This is another sign of the brutality of the West."

NATO, with a mandate to protect civilians Libyan rejects allegations that it targets civilians.

"We conduct operations with precision and care to avoid civilian casualties. Civilian casualties figures quoted by the Libyan regime is pure propaganda," spokesman for NATO said Saturday Oana Lungescu.