NATO denies report it's targeting Qaddafi

Updated at 9:08 with NATO denial

NATO has dismissed a CNN report that the Western alliance was targeting Libya leader Muammar Qaddafi in their campaign to protect civilians in the country.

CNN had cited an unnamed, high-ranking NATO military official as saying that the United Nations resolution under which NATO is operating permits Qaddafi to be targeted as leader of the military forces which have been accused of using warplanes, tanks, small arms and even rape against members of the opposition.

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However, Chris Riley, a NATO spokesman in Brussels, told CBS News that the report was erroneous. Riley also expressed doubts as to the seniority of the unnamed official.

NATO has repeatedly maintained that no individuals were being targeted in the campaign to destroy Qaddafi's military command and control capabilities.

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NATO has stepped-up its bombing campaign on Qaddfi's forces this week, with daily strikes targeting suspected military installations in broad daylight in the capital city.