NATO extends Libya mission for 90 days

NATO has decided to extend military operations in Libya for 90 days before the deadline expires on Tuesday.

Ambassadors of NATO member countries agreed at a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday to continue air raids and other military support for Libya's National Transitional Council.

They say Libyan citizens are still facing threats from troops loyal to Muammar al-Qadhafi. The loyalists are putting up resistance by deploying snipers.

Anti-Qadhafi forces are fighting pro-Qadhafi troops to control the fugitive colonel's hometown, the central city of Sirte, and his stronghold of Bani Walid in the southeast.

In another development, the African Union announced that it has recognized the National Transitional Council as Libya's legitimate government.

African countries had strong ties with Qadhafi's government, receiving financial assistance from the ousted Libyan leader.

They put off recognizing the National Transitional Council at a meeting in Ethiopia last month.

The recognition by the African Union deepens the international isolation of Qadhafi loyalists.