PARIS (BNO NEWS) -- French officials on Wednesday confirmed reports that France air-dropped weapons to Libyan rebels opposing the Muammar Gaddafi's regime in early June, Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported.

The information first surfaced after a report published by French newspaper "Le Figaro" in which it was reveled that France unloaded weapons above the Djebel Nafusa region where Berber tribes joined the anti-government rebellion.

The report indicated that the French shipment included assault rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, as well as European-made Milan anti-tank missiles. The French government said the weapons were provided for self-defense.

The confirmation came after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Gaddafi and two others, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi (his son) and Abdullah Al-Senussi, for crimes against humanity.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said it was not on its mandate to arrest the Libyan leader and proper authorities should enforce the orders instead. However, the organization vowed to keep up the pressure until the Gaddafi regime is overthrown.

NATO's Operation Unified Protector in Libya entered its 90th day on Tuesday after it took control of foreign military operations on March 31 under UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorized member states to take 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians.

Libya has been engulfed in a civil war since February when an uprising against Gaddafi's regime began. Libyan forces have been accused of violently cracking down on anti-government protesters.

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