Brussels (Xinhua): NATO’s top decision-making body has decided to take over command of all military operations against Libya from the United States, a NATO official told Xinhua on Sunday.

NATO ambassadors approved during a special session the airstrike plans against Libyan ground forces to protect civilians, broadening the alliance’s previous role of enforcing the no-fly zone and arms embargo, said the official, who asked not to be identified.

NATO Secretray-general Anders Fogh Rasmussen will announce the decision shortly, she said.

The decision will pave the way for NATO to assume full command of Libya operations from the United States, which has been eager to step back and in favor of NATO to take the reins.