Security Council OKs end to Libya mandate

The U.N. Security Council Thursday ended its mandate to NATO to protect Libyan civilians from the Gadhafi regime, effective Monday. The Security Council adopted the resolution ending the mandate that implemented a no-fly zone over Libya, enforced an arms embargo and provided aerial support for rebels fighting the Gadhafi regime since March 31. NATO said it had flown 26,000 sorties since March 31, CNN reported. The alliance said earlier this week its involvement in Libya had come to an end with the death of Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi, killed last Thursday in the fall of Sirte, the last loyalist stronghold, but postponed a decision on any formal action. Libya's National Transitional Council Wednesday urged NATO to maintain its mission in the country until at least the end of the year to deter any remaining resistance.