NATO strikes ships in Tripoli harbor

TRIPOLI, Libya - NATO fighter jets struck the Tripoli harbor in bombing runs overnight, damaging five coast guard boats and a warship, the Libyan government said on early Friday. Reporters could see flames and smoke rising from the stricken warship into the night sky.

In Brussels, NATO on Friday confirmed that its warplanes targeted the vessels and accused Libya of using its ships in the escalating conflict, including attempts to mine the harbor in Misrata.

Rebels trying to end the nearly 40-year rule of Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi have been struggling to hold the western city of Misrata against repeated attacks by forces loyal to Gadhafi.