Apache helicopters to be sent into Libya by Britain

Use of helicopters, which can attack small targets, represents significant escalation of conflict Britain is to use Apache attack helicopters in an attempt to break the military stalemate in Libya, security sources have told the Guardian. In a highly significant escalation of the conflict, the Apaches – based on HMS Ocean – will join French helicopters in the operation. They will be deployed to stop Gaddafi forces who are continuing to attack civilians in the port city of Misrata, according to well-placed Whitehall officials. Apaches are being used in counter–insurgency operations in Afghanistan and can manoeuvre and attack small targets in relatively built-up areas. The decision to deploy the helicopters is a clear recognition that high-level bombing cannot protect civilians who continue to be attacked by rocket and mortar shells. British officials revealed the plans to deploy the Apaches after France announced it was sending attack helicopters to Libya. Britain and France clearly hope their use, and revealing the intention to use them, will deter pro-Gaddafi forces. Britain and other Nato countries have insisted they will not deploy troops “on the ground” in Libya – a move that would be strongly opposed by most Nato countries, including the US and by those Arab countries in favour of the air campaign against Gaddafi’s forces. “We are very much behind the intensification of the military campaign and … so is France,” said foreign secretary William Hague who was attending an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels. “We certainly agree with France, and indeed with all our partners, including all our partners at the EU meeting , that it is necessary to intensify the military, economic and diplomatic pressure on the Gaddafi regime.” France’s foreign minister confirmed Paris had dispatched a dozen helicopters to add greater strike force to the campaign against Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. Speaking in Brussels at the meeting of EU foreign ministers, Alain Juppe said that the 12 Tigre and Gazelle helicopters sent from Toulon on 17 May would enable “us to better adapt our ground attack capacity with more precise means of striking.” “Our strategy is to step up the military pressure in the weeks ahead while pushing at the same time for a political solution,” said Juppe. According to French sources the battleship Tonnerre carrying the helicopters left Toulon last week. The vessel combines the roles of helicopter-carrier, hospital ship, and troops transporter. Juppe said the helicopters would not be used to disgorge ground forces in Libya and that the decision to send them was fully in line with the UN security council resolution mandating ground attacks. Libya Military France Muammar Gaddafi Nato Richard Norton-Taylor guardian.co.uk

Posted by on May 23, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.