Gates Hints at Bombing Risk to Gadhafi

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Libya's military command centers are legitimate targets for attack, suggesting that the longer Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi (MOO'-ah-mar gah-DAH'-fee) holds out, the more he may put himself at risk.

This appears to represent an evolution of the NATO-led air campaign, which is adjusting its targeting priorities as Libyan forces have adapted to weeks of airstrikes on ground forces, the imposition of a no-fly zone and persistent rebel assaults in several key areas.

Gates told reporters Tuesday at the Pentagon that Gadhafi himself is not being targeted by U.S. and NATO warplanes. On Monday, parts of Gadhafi's compound in Tripoli were heavily damaged by NATO bombs. Gates said such places will be targeted wherever they are found.