Libya: Scud missile 'not a new threat'

The firing of a Scud missile by Col Muammar Gaddafi's forces does not represent a new or more dangerous threat a Nato spokesman has said.

Col Roland Lavoie told a news conference that they had been aware of the weaponry and did not consider that it would change the operational capability of the Pro-Gaddafi forces.

US defence officials say the missile - used for the first time in the country's six-month conflict - was launched from near the coastal city of Sirte and aimed at Brega - currently held by rebels - but landed harmlessly in the desert.

The move comes as the rebels continue a push towards the capital, Tripoli.