Panetta: No clear plan on end to Libya mission

There is no clear set of conditions in Libya that will trigger an end to the combat mission, but the operation should continue so long as serious fighting and threats to the population continue, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday.That suggests that Moammar Gaddafi does not have to be killed or captured before NATO forces go home, although the former rebels who mounted a successful campaign in March to oust Gaddafi are still hunting the former dictators hiding place.Speaking to reporters at a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Panetta said the ministers agree that the decision will depend on whether forces loyal to Gaddafi are still able to attack civilians and whether the opposition forces are able to provide security for the country as it moves to democracy.There are obvious divisions within NATO over when and how to end the Libyan mission particularly with Gaddafi still at large and pockets of his supporters still holding onto strongholds in Sirte and Bani Walid.Military commanders have said they believe the military mission now in its seventh month is largely complete, and could begin wrapping up soon. But the public message from Panetta and other leaders suggests that NATO help could continue for some time.Panetta even suggested that NATO help could continue past the time that fighting concludes, if Libyas new civilian leaders request it.If theres a request and if there are needs that can be met, I think that all of us in NATO, I think, would have to give that serious consideration, as to what kind of assistance, what kind of advice, what kind of training we can provide, Panetta said.Panetta did not rule out additional extensions to the military operation, which is set to end in late December.