NEW YORK — The Independent of London reports human rights organizations are beginning to cast doubt on some of the claims of atrocities committed by forces loyal to Col. Muammar Gaddafi that were used to justify NATO’s war in Libya.

Gaddafi’s regime was accused of ordering mass rapes, using foreign mercenaries and employing helicopters against civilian protesters.

An investigation by Amnesty International has failed to find evidence for any of these human rights violations.

The Independent of London also found indications that on several occasions the rebels in Benghazi appeared to have knowingly made false claims or manufactured evidence.

Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Mike Turner of Ohio has revealed that NATO commander U.S. Admiral Samuel Locklear has confirmed to him that the United States and NATO forces are actively trying to assassinate Gaddafi in defiance of the UN authorization.

Locklear also reportedly told Turner that NATO is considering sending in ground troops to Libya.

President Obama’s military plans in Libya were dealt a setback Friday when the Republican-dominated House of Representatives voted down an authorization for Obama to have the U.S. participate in the Libya conflict.

The final vote was 295 to 123. The website Politico described the vote as a “historic rejection of a commander-in-chief at war.” But in another vote, the House did not agree to cut off funding for military operations.

 (MEO)