NATO attack helicopters enter fray in Libya
For the first time since NATO launched a campaign against Muammar Gaddafi in March, attack helicopters have been used against forces loyal to his regime.
Saturday, 04.06.2011.
16:49
For the first time since NATO launched a campaign against Muammar Gaddafi in March, attack helicopters have been used against forces loyal to his regime. In a statement, NATO said that the helicopters were used on Saturday morning to strike targets that included military vehicles, military equipment and fielded forces. NATO attack helicopters enter fray in Libya "This successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters," said Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard, the commander of the alliance's Libya force. "We will continue to use these assets whenever and wherever needed, using the same precision as we do in all of our missions." Last month, Britain and France had said they were making helicopters available as part of the ongoing mission in Libya. The statement released from NATO said using helicopters provides additional flexibility to track and engage pro-Gaddafi forces who "deliberately target civilians and attempt to hide in populated areas." However, helicopters are also easier to attack from the ground than fighter jets, which had, until now, been used for airstrikes in Libya. Meanwhile, China confirmed its first diplomatic contact with the Libyan rebels. The meeting took place in Qatar, where Beijing's ambassador to Qatar, Zhang Zhiliang, met with Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the chairman of the rebel council. In the U.S., the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for President Barack Obama to clarify the country's role in Libya. Obama did not seek Congressional approval before starting the U.S. military action in Libya.
NATO attack helicopters enter fray in Libya
"This successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters," said Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard, the commander of the alliance's Libya force. "We will continue to use these assets whenever and wherever needed, using the same precision as we do in all of our missions."Last month, Britain and France had said they were making helicopters available as part of the ongoing mission in Libya. The statement released from NATO said using helicopters provides additional flexibility to track and engage pro-Gaddafi forces who "deliberately target civilians and attempt to hide in populated areas."
However, helicopters are also easier to attack from the ground than fighter jets, which had, until now, been used for airstrikes in Libya.
Meanwhile, China confirmed its first diplomatic contact with the Libyan rebels. The meeting took place in Qatar, where Beijing's ambassador to Qatar, Zhang Zhiliang, met with Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the chairman of the rebel council.
In the U.S., the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for President Barack Obama to clarify the country's role in Libya.
Obama did not seek Congressional approval before starting the U.S. military action in Libya.
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