Nato close to terminating Libya operation

A Nato spokeswoman says the military alliance is "very close" to terminating the 7-month long bombing campaign in Libya.

Spokeswoman Carmen Romero warned, however, that it is still too early to set the exact date because of the continuing threat to civilians from pro-Gadhafi fighters.

Nato warplanes have flown more than 9,500 strike sorties since the air attacks began on March 19. With armed opposition to the new Libyan authorities now limited to only a few more towns, the alliance has scaled back on the airstrikes, conducting an average of 15 a day in comparison to about 70-80 a day at the height of the campaign this summer.

Romero said on Tuesday the decision on ending the operation will be taken after Nato conducts a comprehensive political and military analysis of the security situation.