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Air power: A rebel fighter sits on a tank hit by allied air strikes (AFP: Odd Andersen)
Italian air force jets will be able to join NATO's attack on military targets in Libya, prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has announced.
Italy had previously said it would not take part in the NATO-led air strikes because of its 40-year colonial rule over the country.
A statement from Mr Berlusconi's office said he had informed US president Barack Obama of the government's decision, and that he would call other European leaders to tell them personally as well.
It said the government had decided to "increase the operative flexibility of its aircraft with actions aimed at specific military targets on Libyan territory with the aim of protecting the civilian population".
Rome has made several air bases available for NATO forces and has contributed eight aircraft to the Libya mission.
But until now it has taken part only in reconnaissance and monitoring of the UN-mandated no-fly zone rather than attacks on military infrastructure, which have principally been carried out by Britain, France and the United States.
Italy was one of Libyan leader Moamar Gaddafi's closest allies in Europe until his violent suppression of an uprising prompted the UN Security Council to pass a resolution authorising the use of force to protect civilian lives.
The surprise decision immediately opened a fresh crack in Mr Berlusconi's government, with a minister in a key coalition party, the Northern League, saying he strongly opposed it.
"We have already done enough by offering the bases and logistical support and anti-radar activity," said Roberto Calderoli, minister for legislative simplification.
He said that if Italy's allies wanted Rome to do more in Libya, they should help Italy turn back illegal immigrants and take some of the migrants from north Africa who land in southern Italy.
- ABC/Reuters
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