Libya's Gadhafi threatens to attack Europe

TRIPOLI - Embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi threatened to carry out attacks in Europe if NATO does not stop airstrikes against his regime in Libya.

Supporters of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi attend a rally at the green square in Tripoli July 1, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Gadhafi made the remarks Friday via telephone to thousands of his supporters gathering in the main Green Square of the capital Tripoli.

"We can treat you in a similar way," Gadhafi said, referring to the NATO air campaigns targeting governmental forces since March.

The defiant leader also denounced an arrest warrant against him issued on Monday by the International Criminal Court.

The ICC issued Monday warrants for embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi, his son Saif al-Islam and Intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, on charges of their roles in suppressing the revolt, in which, according to the ICC, civilians were murdered and persecuted by Libyan forces.

The world's major powers, the UK, the US and France, started on March 19 to launch strikes from the air and sea against Gadhafi 's forces after the UN Security Council passed a resolution to impose a no-fly zone over Libya and authorize "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya.

NATO has formally taken over full command and control of military operations against Libya from the US on March 31.