In Libya, CIA is gathering intelligence on rebels
The Obama administration has sent teams of CIA operatives into Libya in a rush to gather intelligence on the identities and capabilities of rebel forces opposed to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, according to U.S. officials. The information has become more crucial as the administration and its coalition partners move closer to providing direct military aid or guidance to the disorganized and beleaguered rebel army. Although the administration has pledged that no U.S. ground troops will be deployed to Libya, officials said Wednesday that President Obama has issued a secret finding that would authorize the CIA to carry out a clandestine effort to provide arms and other support to Libyan opposition groups. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, insisted that no decision has been made.
Patrick Martin: American media silent on CIA ties to Libya rebel commander
NYT: C.I.A. Agents in Libya Aid Airstrikes and Meet Rebels - A "shadow force" of clandestine CIA operatives are meeting with rebels, aiding airstrikes in concert with RC-135 V/W aircraft and global hawk weapon systems in order to "help bleed Colonel Qaddafi's military."
Antiwar: CIA Ground Forces Operating in Libya for ‘Several Weeks’