U.S. repositions military forces around Libya

Anti-government rebels carry bullets in a base for training and recruiting rebels for the army in Benghazi February 28, 2011.

Credit: Reuters/Asmaa Waguih

By Missy Ryan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States began repositioning naval and air force units around Libya on Monday, stepping up pressure on embattled leader Muammar Gaddafi after calling on him to step down immediately.
The naval units could be used for humanitarian and rescue missions, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in Geneva, where she told the U.N. Human Rights Council that Gaddafi was using "mercenaries and thugs" to suppress a popular uprising.
"There is not any pending military action involving U.S. naval vessels," she said after the Pentagon announced the repositioning of military units.

More
U.S. repositions military forces around Libya