Libya | 322 comments (322 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

UN orders air strikes against Gaddafi - World Politics, World - The Independent

Defence sources in London meanwhile indicated that the coalition's first targets would be the tank convoys closing on Benghazi or ships attempting to bombard the city. Arab participation is likely to be provided initially by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, although there were already reports as the resolution was passed of Egypt shipping arms to the rebels across the border.
The US is not expected to provide military back-up initially, although it has an aircraft carrier off the coast.
The operation is likely to be mounted from French air force bases in the south of the country - which is less than 1,000 miles from the Libyan coast - as well as from RAF bases in Cyprus. Italy has also said it is prepared to make its military bases available to enforce a no-fly zone.
Arab involvement was a priority for London and Washington, which are anxious to avoid a perception of outside meddling in Arab affairs.

_{*Lunatic*, n.

One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

by DoDo on Fri Mar 18th, 2011 at 05:07:57 AM EST

Re: Libya (4.00 / 2)

The threat of military action prompted Libya to promise attacks on civilian targets. In a fiery television address last night, Muammar Gaddafi said his forces were set to retake Benghazi. "The people will see tomorrow if the city is one of traitors or heroes... Don't betray me, my beloved Benghazi," he said.
After the resolution, the regime's official response came from deputy foreign minister Khalid Kaim, whose press conference in front of television cameras was interrupted when a noisy crowd of young men chanting pro-Gaddafi slogans burst into the room in what was supposedly a spontaneous show of support for the regime.
Mr Kaim congratulated the abstaining countries, but insisted that "there will be no intention of any party to attack civilians anywhere in the country".
He denied that his remarks contrasted with the threats against Benghazi earlier in the day by Col Gaddafi.

_{*Lunatic*, n.

One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

by DoDo on Fri Mar 18th, 2011 at 05:09:44 AM EST
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Libya | 322 comments (322 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)