Pentagon: US Likely to Continue Combat in Libya

WASHINGTON (AP) — A senior Pentagon official says the U.S. probably will continue flying combat missions over Libya once the U.S. relinquishes command of the air campaign to NATO or others as early as this weekend.

Navy Adm. William Gortney told reporters Thursday that the U.S. role would predominantly be in support of allied partners, with refueling missions, surveillance, reconnaissance and other non-combat flights. But he also said he expects U.S. planes would continue flying some strike missions.

Gortney said the U.S. military foresees a handoff of the lead command role by this weekend. He said details are still being worked out.