Tripoli, Libya (CNN) — The heart of Moammar Gaddafi’s compound in Tripoli lay in shambles today as the United States and allies continued their mission to dilute the Libyan leader’s strength. But Gaddafi’s whereabouts — and his plans after promising a “long-drawn war” — remained unknown.
A coalition military official insisted neither Gaddafi nor his residence were intended targets of the bombing late Sunday. But the official — who was not being identified because of the sensitivity of the information — said the compound was targeted because it contained capabilities to exercise command and control over Libyan forces.
U.S. Vice Adm. Bill Gortney reinforced the coalition’s objective.
“We are not going after Gaddafi,” he said at a Pentagon press briefing. “Regime forces are more pressed and less free to maneuver.”
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Asked about reports of smoke rising from the area of Gaddafi’s palace, Gortney said, “We are not targeting his residence.”
