The launch of a Scud missile on rebel positions in Libya by forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi represents a "desperate gesture" by the regime in the face of territorial gains by the opposition, a NATO spokesman said Tuesday.

The unguided short-range, surface-to-surface weapon "of Scud type" was fired from some 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of the Kadhafi-loyal stronghold of Sirte, Canadian colonel Roland Lavoie told a news conference relayed by video from campaign headquarters in Naples, southern Italy.

It landed about five kilometres east of rebel-held territory near Brega, in "an area currently under the control of anti-Kadhafi forces," but did not leave any victims, Lavoie spelled out.

It was the first time that Kadhafi's forces had used the Scud since NATO began an air campaign against the regime on March 19.

Libya has an estimated 240 of the ballistic missiles in its arsenal, and its "Scud B" model has a range of about 300 kilometres, according to the Jane's Defence military journal.

"The use of such missiles presents a direct threat to innocent people," Lavoie said.

He labelled the missile "a weapon of terror," and said its use "against an urban or industrial area is utterly irresponsible."

Questioned further, he said that such firing amounted to little more than "desperate gestures" comparable to "throwing dishes against a wall: it makes a lot of noise, but that's all."

While Lavoie said forces loyal to Kadhafi were retreating "often hurriedly," he also admitted that NATO's Libya mission eremains "far from over."

UN Security Council Resolution 1973 authorised NATO in March to defend Libya's civilian population from attacks by Kadhafi's regime, which faces a popular revolt after 42 years in power.

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