The US Secretary of State, Ms Hillary Clinton, has condemned the continued brutal attacks on the Libyan people by the forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi in violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

“Regime militias and mercenaries have continued their attacks on civilians in Misurata, indiscriminately firing mortar and artillery rounds into residential areas of the city,” Ms Clinton said in a statement.

The regime has reportedly destroyed crucial food supply warehouses and cut off water and power to the city, laying siege to the Libyan people in an apparent attempt to starve them into submission, she said.

Snipers have targeted civilians seeking medical attention and thousands of civilians are being forced out of their homes by regime attacks with tanks and artillery, Ms Clinton said, adding that the regime officials have also made statements in the past two days promising to attack any humanitarian aid ships attempting to dock in Misurata port.

Ms Clinton said under NATO’s command and control, the coalition is enforcing UNSCR 1973 to protect the innocent civilians in Libya.

The US is also gathering information about Mr Gaddafi’s actions that may constitute violations of international humanitarian or human rights law to make sure that they are properly documented and catalogued, and ensure that those who committed these atrocities are held accountable for their actions, she said.

“The international community continues to speak in one voice in support of a transition that leads to a brighter future for the Libyan people,” the Secretary said.

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