Operation Odyssey Dawn: U.S. Jet Crashes As Rebels Struggle To Defend Eastern Cities (PHOTOS)

French officials say the international military effort in Libya known as Operation Odyssey Dawn is expected to last "awhile" following embattled leader Muammar Gaddafi's promise of a "long war."

As the AFP is reporting, Britain's armed forces says Gaddafi is "absolutely not" a target for military action at present. Rebel groups are now reportedly saying they want to drive Gaddafi from power and see him tried, not to have him killed.

On Tuesday, a U.S. military jet crashed to the ground, although both crewmen were rescued. Gaddafi forces continue shelling rebels as they attempted to protect the key Eastern city of Ajdabiya.

Check the latest news on Libya here.

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The guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) fires Tomahawk cruise missiles in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn from the Mediterranean Sea, as seen through night-vision lenses aboard amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15).

The guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) fires Tomahawk cruise missiles in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn from the Mediterranean Sea, as seen through night-vision lenses aboard amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15).

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