Libya: British attack helicopters to be deployed

[WestVirginiaRebel]

UK Telegraph:

The Daily Telegraph has learned that Apache helicopters will fly into Libya from a Royal Navy warship, in a joint operation with the French.

As many as 18 British and French helicopters will be deployed to support rebels trying to consolidate gains against Gaddafi’s forces.

The helicopter operation – expected to be supported by Special Forces troops – will take the allies closer still to a full ground operation in Libya.

Whitehall officials said that later this week, the Apaches will begin flying missions in from HMS Ocean, a helicopter carrier in the Mediterranean.

Their use was authorised by David Cameron at a meeting of the National Security Council after the Prime Minister asked military chiefs for new ways to increase the pressure on the Libyan regime.

“We are constantly looking for ways to intensify the diplomatic and military pressure on the Libyan regime,” said a spokesman for Mr Cameron.

One of the helicopters’ principal tasks will be to enforce a 16-mile buffer zone around the beseiged city of Misurata.

Some semblance of normality has returned to the city since rebels captured the airport and attacked Libyan army artillery positions more than a week ago.

British military planners said the helicopters would help the rebels entrench their control over Misurata and deal a symbolic blow to Col Gaddafi.

“It is very important that we sustain that buffer zone to demonstrate the sense of normality that is building in Misurata now that it is no longer significantly under threat from Gaddafi,” one source said.
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Well, I guess Obama can claim that he's keeping his word about no American boots on the ground...

[Pepper]

WestVirginiaRebel

 

The American media does a great job of not featuring much news of Mr. Obama's Libyan campaign.

 

There are exceptions in the media

 

Lying About Libya?

 

Reliable Cynthia McKinney is in on the action, too

 

CNN: McKinney blasts U.S. on Libya TV

Former Georgia congresswoman Cynthia McKinney went on Libyan state TV over the weekend to condemn U.S. policy in the region, CNN reported.