Clinton: Gadhafi May be Using Cluster Bombs

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Published on Thursday, April 21, 2011 12:30

Written by Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi may be targeting civilians with cluster bombs, the first time a U.S. official has made such an allegation.

Libya has denied using cluster bombs, but Clinton on Thursday said she was disturbed by reports the weapons are being used in fighting between Gadhafi's troops and rebels. Two western journalists were killed in the besieged town of Misrata Wednesday and Clinton offered her condolences to their friends and families.

She also demanded the immediate release of U.S. citizens "unjustly detained" in Libya, including at least two reporters. Americans James Foley, of the Boston-based GlobalPost, and Clare Morgana Gillis, a contributor to The Atlantic and USA Today, were taken prisoner on April 5 by forces loyal to Gadhafi.