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Libyan Air Strikes Enter Day Two

LIANE HANSEN, Host:

Here he is this morning on Fox News Sunday:

MIKE MULLEN: We had a very significant impact very early in establishing this no-fly zone and supporting the mission, which is to protect civilians and also to be able to provide corridors, or create the conditions for humanitarian relief.

HANSEN: We'll hear more specifics on the military operations. But first, to NPR's Eric Westervelt who's in Tobruk, in eastern Libya. That's an area controlled by the opposition. Eric, hello.

ERIC WESTERVELT: Hi, Liane. How are you?

HANSEN: I am well, sir. Thank you. I understand you've been keeping in touch with members of the rebel forces. What do you hear from them?

WESTERVELT: Well, some of the rebel officials we've talked to other ground here in eastern Libya say, you know, they're certainly excited by the attacks on Gadhafi's forces so far, and the implementation of a no-fly zone and the strike so far on his ground forces. But they're really hoping for more targeted strikes on his ground troops, especially his heavy artillery and tanks. And there are hopes that the attacks help prompt more of his troops to sort of flip sides and turn on the colonel.

HANSEN: Eric, what have you heard about the scene in Benghazi today after the fighting yesterday?

WESTERVELT: But today, it is a much calmer there. Some people who fled the fighting there yesterday are now returning to Benghazi today.

HANSEN: Are you hearing anything more from the government in Tripoli? As we said Colonel Moammar Gadhafi has responded with defiance.

WESTERVELT: So not surprisingly, after 42 years in power, he seems to be digging in deeper for a long fight and remains as defiant as ever, Liane.

HANSEN: Eric, you're in Tobruk at the eastern edge of Libya. Have you seen or heard any airstrikes?

WESTERVELT: We have not seen or heard anything directly. Most of the airstrikes so far have been on command and control centers along the coast in Tripoli, we're told, and some radar installations. So, nothing visible here yet.

HANSEN: Eric, thank you very much.

WESTERVELT: Thank you, Liane. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.