Continued Attacks on Libyan Civilians
Press StatementHillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCApril 13, 2011The United States condemns the Qadhafi regime’s continued brutal attacks on the Libyan people in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which calls for a stop to all attacks on civilians.
In recent days, we have received disturbing reports of renewed atrocities conducted by Qadhafi’s forces. Regime militias and mercenaries have continued their attacks on civilians in Misurata, indiscriminately firing mortar and artillery rounds into residential areas of the city. 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. 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. Regime officials have also made statements in the past two days promising to attack any humanitarian aid ships attempting to dock in Misurata port.
Under NATO’s command and control, the coalition is enforcing UNSCR 1973 to protect innocent civilians in Libya. The United States is also gathering information about Qadhafi’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. The international community continues to speak in one voice in support of a transition that leads to a brighter future for the Libyan people.
