NATO says its strikes destroy 25 Gadhafi tanks

BRUSSELS (AP) — The commander of NATO's operation over Libya says alliance airstrikes have destroyed 25 of the Libyan regime's tanks near the cities of Misrata and Ajdabiya.

Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard says the strikes were necessary because civilians were being shelled by forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi's regime.

Bouchard said Sunday, "To help protect these civilians …