NATO Takes Command of Aerial Operations as Fresh Airstrikes Hit Libya

Context
Explosions and airstrikes were heard in Libya’s capital Tripoli on Sunday night, an indication that a new round of assaults against Col. Muammar Qaddafi’s forces is under way. The fresh attacks come at a time when NATO has agreed to take command of all air operations- including ground assaults- in Libya. The United States will hand over responsibility for airstrikes to the coalition in a power transition that could take several days, said a diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity.