Nato assumes control of Libya military operation

Nato will assume command of all aerial operations - including ground attacks - in Libya from the US-led force that has been conducting air strikes against Muammar Gaddafi's forces.

Ambassadors today approved a plan to expand the previously agreed mission to enforce the UN arms embargo and no-fly zone by agreeing to protect civilians from attack by Colonel Gaddafi's ground forces, a diplomat said

After eight days of strikes on Libyan targets, Washington is eager to quickly hand off responsibility for air strikes to the alliance.

The un-named diplomat said the transfer of authority from the US-led force may take a several days.