US supplies bombs to allies for Libya war: Pentagon

WASHINGTON: The US military is supplying bombs and spare parts to allies carrying out strikes in the Nato-led air campaign against Libya's regime, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

"We have provided material support, including munitions, to Allies and partners engaged in operations in Libya" since April 1, spokesman Colonel Dave Lapan said in an email.

The statement marked the first time the Pentagon had publicly confirmed it was providing ammunition to Nato allies, amid reports some countries were running out of supplies of precision-guided bombs or parts.

Lapan confirmed that the munitions included precision-guided "smart bombs."

Since Nato took the lead in the air campaign on April 1, the United States has provided allies and partners with about $24.3 million worth of "repair parts, ammunition, and technical support," Lapan said.

Details of US support came as a senior Nato military official said the alliance was stepping up operations in a bid to deliver a decisive blow to Moamer Kadhafi's regime, hitting Tripoli with its heaviest bombardment to date. (AFP)