The United States distanced itself from efforts to hunt down Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi, saying neither U.S. assets nor NATO forces were targeting the fugitive strongman, Reuters reported.

“Neither the United States nor NATO is involved in this manhunt," said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.

“With regard to Gadhafi’s future, just to say again, we believe he should be held accountable for his crimes, as should his sons and others with blood on their hands, and it’s up to the Libyan people to ensure that that happens, in keeping with the highest standards of international justice,” she said.

“There was also some discussion about security needs that the TNC may have. It is our understanding that the TNC is unlikely to request a formal peacekeeping force, but it may need UN and international community help supporting its policing needs. And precisely what it may ask for remains to be determined,” Ms. Nuland added.