Nasty NATO bombs friendly tanks

The commander of Libya's rebel forces has said Nato apologised for mistakenly hitting a column of rebel tanks near the eastern town of Ajdabiya.

Rebel tanks?

It started off so simple. Gaddafi had the overwhelming firepower — jets, tanks, artillery — and was using it against defenceless civilians. In a fit of nobless oblige, Cameron ordered the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to intervene.

Together with other NATO forces, primarily French and American, they destroyed Libya's air defences, and proceeded to attack Gaddafi's ground forces. News reports showed rebels cheering over charred tanks, praising the Western leaders.

The BBC article continues:

The rebels hit in the air strike had been moving a group of tanks, armoured vehicles and rocket launchers near the front line between the towns of Ajdabiya and Brega in more than 30 transporters.

One rebel commander told the BBC he saw at least four missiles land among rebel fighters.
...
There is considerable anger among rebel troops at what appears to have been a terrible mistake, our correspondent says.

They are asking why rebel units were hit, he adds, when they could be seen clearly advancing in a westerly direction towards the front line.

"It is unbelievable," said one Benghazi resident. "Nato, with all the equipment they have - is this the second mistake? Is it really a mistake or something arranged secretly?"

While I hope for a positive outcome, I remain unconvinced that this intervention was wise.