U.S. announces sanctions against Libya, suspends embassy operations

By the CNN Wire Staff

February 25, 2011 7:08 p.m. EST

Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. government announced Friday that it will impose sanctions against the regime of Col. Moammar Gadhafi -- part of a series of measures designed to isolate the Libyan regime and loosen the dictator's grip on power.

The American embassy in Libya suspended operations for security reasons, though State Department officials stressed that diplomatic ties were not suspended and channels for discussion remained open.

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http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/25/libya.us.reaction/index.html