NATO forces tracking Gaddafi 'lair to lair', but less than half its airstrikes hitting their targets

London, June 25 (ANI): NATO forces are reportedly tracking Colonel Muammar Gaddafi from 'lair to lair' around Libya, as reports emerged that less than 50 percent of airstrikes are hitting their targets. According to the Daily Mail, RAF Nimrod R1 spy planes, drones and the destroyer HMS Liverpool, which are stationed off the Libyan coast, are monitoring the movements of the defiant dictator. The United Nations (UN) mandate does not permit NATO commanders to directly attack Gaddafi, but only allows them to use military force to protect civilians. New reports have suggested that commanders are frightened to launch severe attacks over fears that Gaddai might be hiding behind a 'human shield' of innocent people. However, military chiefs are hopeful that the mounting pressure from the numerous airstrikes will force his close aides to remove him. Major General Nick Pope, the senior British military spokesman, has said that NATO carried out over 12,000 flying sorties, including 5,000 attack missions, of which 2,400 had hit regime targets, indicating a less than 50 percent success rate. Meanwhile, a diplomatic source has said that 'the sands of time are running down for Gaddafi.' Gaddafi's actions have stripped him of legitimacy. There can be no future for Libya with him in power. The anger against him is simmering. The question is not if he will go, but when," he added. (ANI)