NATO says it has accidentally hit a column of Libyan rebels in an airstrike two days ago.

The alliance gave no figures on casualties but said Saturday it regrets "any possible loss of life or injuries caused by this unfortunate incident."

NATO says its forces saw a column of military vehicles on Thursday in an area where forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi had recently been operating. The alliance says it believed the vehicles posed a threat to civilians and hit them.

NATO says the vehicles were later confirmed to be part of an opposition patrol.