British Apache helicopters strike Gaddafi’s forces for first time

UK and French attack helicopters hit several locations, including near oil city of Brega, to boost Libyan rebel campaign British Apache attack helicopters have launched their first strikes on Muammar Gaddafi’s troops in Libya, including near the key coastal oil city of Brega, Nato has confirmed. The RAF Apaches and French attack craft struck troops loyal to Gaddafi who hiding in populated areas, military vehicles and equipment, giving a major boost to Libyan rebels on the ground and coming one day after government troops were forced from three western towns. The Apaches hit two targets near the coastal city of Brega, the MoD said, taking off from HMS Ocean, off the Libyan coast, and returning safely after completing their mission in the early hours of Saturday. The French helicopters took off from the helicopter transport ship Tonnerre in the Mediterranean, said Col Thierry Burkhard. He said the French helicopters struck 15 military vehicles and 5 military command buildings and came under light fire, but were not hit or damaged. Burkhard said the operation was aimed at putting “additional pressure on the Gadhafi forces who continue to threaten the civilian population”. Until now, Nato has relied on attack jets, generally flying above 15,000ft (4,500m) and pounding Gaddafi targets in relentless overnight bombings. But the helicopters are a game-changer, giving the alliance a key advantage in close-up combat, flying at much lower altitudes. The decision to send four British Apache helicopters to Libya was made by David Cameron on 27 May. Their deployment via HMS Ocean means there should be less chance of civilian casualties in operations that previously relied on the use of Tornado and Typhoon aircraft. But the Apaches operate at lower altitudes and could be targeted by Libyan forces loyal to Gaddafi, who still have access to thousands of surface-to-air missiles. Libya Middle East Africa Arab and Middle East unrest Military Muammar Gaddafi guardian.co.uk

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