As the conflict in Libya lurched toward a deadly stalemate Friday, forces loyal to embattled leader Moammar Gadhafi shelled the city of Misrata in an attempt to halt any rebel advances.
The attacks on the rebel-held city came as NATO leaders attempted to work through logistical differences that have apparently hampered the mission to dislodge the defiant Libyan strongman.
In the eastern section of the country, NATO warplanes continued to pound Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte.
But in the capitol city of Tripoli, government forces upped their security to discourage any anti-Gadhafi protests.
U.S. President Barack Obama has acknowledged that a stalemate is developing in the North African nation, but he tempered those comments by saying that a "wholesale slaughter" had been avoided by the Western mission.
Meanwhile, NATO officials say that additional, focused forces are needed to get the job done, including additional precision aircraft that can work to minimize civilian casualties.
According to reports on the ground, Gadhafi's forces have been camouflaging themselves amongst civilian populations to thwart Western air superiority.
But NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen denied to speak about specifics, despite reports that a top commander is seeking an additional eight or 10 aircraft.
"What we need is a small number of precision aircraft fighters and without going into details, I'm hopeful that nations will step up to the plate," he said in Berlin.
"I think all NATO allies realize that of course the operation must be fully resourced."
Fogh Rasmussen also reflected on the changing nature of the mission, as Gadhafi's forces attempt to prolong the stalemate.
"We have also seen Gadhafi change his tactics into using civilian vehicles, hiding tanks and armoured vehicles in the cities, using human shields etcetera and all that makes it necessary to gradually adapt our tactics."
Despite the NATO-backed no-fly zone, The Associated Press reported that a Gadhafi-affiliated helicopter hovered around Misrata for several hours Friday, spotting artillery targets. Later, artillery and rockets rained down on the country's third-largest city.
Canada holds off on decisions
As the conflict drags on amid requests for more Western firepower, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that a decision to send any additional forces from Canada will have to wait until after the federal election.
During a campaign stop north of Toronto, Harper said that reaching a consensus with allied nations was important, but he stressed that no additional forces should be sent in haste.
"But we've been clear we're not putting Canadian soldiers on the ground, and in terms of any requests for additional participation, we will not make those kinds of commitments during an election campaign."
The NATO mission has been partially hamstrung by a difference between member nations, according to various reports. While the U.S. sees itself in a supporting role, other nations like France and Britain have been adamant that member forces play a larger role in the strikes.
Plus, other countries in the military alliance have rules that prevent action, except in cases of self-defence.
So far, Canada has sent HMCS Charlottetown and six fighter planes. A pair of maritime patrol planes has also been sent.
With files from The Associated Press
