Libya strikes prevented massacre, says Cameron

Mr Cameron made his remarks amid signs that Ministers are at odds with military commanders over the legitimacy of directly targeting the Libyan dictator.

After Gaddafi’s compound in Tripoli was hit during a second night of coalition missile strikes, the Prime Minister said the action was “fully consistent” with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

But after the head of the armed forces warned there was no UN authority for personally targeting Gaddafi, No 10 aides sought to leave the option open, suggesting it would be legal if he was “killing civilians”.

Mr Cameron acknowledged there was no UN mandate for overthrowing Gaddafi by military force, but said he would not give a “running commentary” on the coalition’s targeting options.

Meanwhile Typhoon and Tornado jets began patrolling the skies above Libya last night, with forces now enforcing a no-fly zone. There were also reports of fresh explosions being heard in the capital.

US President Barack Obama reiterated his desire to see Gaddafi step down from power but added that US military action was limited to protecting civilians and preventing a humanitarian crisis from taking place.

Mr Obama said Gaddafi has been very clear about showing “no mercy” to those who oppose him.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Defence Secretary Liam Fox both refused to rule out the possibility that Gaddafi could be a legitimate target.

However, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Sir David Richards, flatly ruled out the prospect.

In the Commons, Mr Cameron made clear that he wanted to see the back of Gaddafi, although he accepted that ultimately it was a matter for the Libyan people.

“The UN resolution is limited in its scope. It explicitly does not provide legal authority for action to bring about Gaddafi’s removal from power by military means,” he said.

“It is for the Libyan people to determine their government and their destiny. But our view is clear – there is no decent future for Libya with Col Gaddafi remaining in power.”