Apache helicopters to be sent into Libya by Britain
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/23/apache-helicopters-libya-britain
Britain and France are to deploy attack helicopters against Libya in an attempt to break the military stalemate, particularly in the important coastal city of Misrata, security sources have told the Guardian.
In a significant escalation of the conflict, the Apaches – based on HMS Ocean – will join French helicopters in risky operations which reflect deepening frustration among British and French defence chiefs about their continuing inability to protect civilians.
Apaches, which are being used in counter insurgency operations in Afghanistan, can manoeuvre and attack small targets in relatively built-up areas. Heavily-armed Apaches and French Tiger helicopters are equipped with night vision equipment and electronic guidance systems.
Gaddafi forces have shed their uniforms, are using civilian vehicles and hiding armour near civilian buildings, including hospitals and schools.
The decision to deploy the helicopters is a clear recognition that high-level bombing from 15,000 feet cannot protect civilians who continue to be attacked by rocket and mortar shells. It brings the Nato offensive much closer to the ground at a time when Britain and other Nato countries are insisting they have no intention of sending in troops.
However, the helicopters could be vulnerable to hand-held rocket propelled grenades and even rifle fire.
Hospital officials said two people were killed and several wounded during Monday's fighting in Misrata. Later, heavy explosions outside the city were heard, lasting about an hour. Reuters news agency quoted a rebel spokesman as saying that forces loyal to Gaddafi also shelled the rebel-held town of Zintan and moved troops close to the mountainous region bordering Tunisia, intensifying operations on the war's western front.
Britain and France clearly hope the use of attack helicopters, and revealing the intention to use them, will deter pro-Gaddafi forces and assuage Libyan rebels who have been demanding more effective military action from Nato countries. The sight of Nato forces actually on the ground would be strongly opposed by most Nato countries, including the US and those Arab countries in favour of the air campaign against Gaddafi's forces.
Foreign secretary William Hague, attending an EU meeting in Brussels, said: "We are very much behind the intensification of the military campaign and so is France. We certainly agree with all our partners that it is necessary to intensify the military, economic and diplomatic pressure on the Gaddafi regime."
Alain Juppe, France's foreign minister, confirmed that Paris has dispatched a dozen helicopters to add greater strike force to the campaign against Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. He said that the 12 Tiger and Gazelle helicopters sent from Toulon on May 17 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." ..........
Strike helicopters in Libya is within UN mandate: France
The Associated Press
Date: Monday May. 23, 2011
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20110523/france-libya-110523/
BRUSSELS — France and Britain will deploy attack helicopters in Libya as soon as possible, the French defence minister said Monday -- a move that would allow their pilots more precision but also expose them to greater risk.
Gerard Longuet said the helicopters would be used to target military equipment such as Libyan tanker and ammunition trucks in crowded urban areas while causing fewer civilian casualties.
Longuet said he discussed the plan with British military officials and they were "exactly on the same wave length."
The use of attack helicopters would appear to mark a new strategy for NATO, which has relied on strikes by fighter planes and seen that result in a stalemate on the ground.
Nimble, low-flying helicopters have much more leeway to pick targets with precision than high-flying jets. But they also are much more vulnerable to ground fire. The alliance has had no military deaths since it first started enforcing a no-fly zone on March 31.
Longuet said France would essentially use Gazelle helicopters, which have been around for some 40 years.
"It is an old machine but fully adapted to the situation," said Longuet. France also can use the Tigre, a modern helicopter gunship.
In airstrikes using fighter planes, the alliance fears collateral damage can be too great against a foe that can hide in urban areas or mix up with civilian traffic.
"We had to give ourselves the means to strike without hitting civilians," Longuet said.
NATO is operating under a U.N. mandate that authorizes the use of force -- but not ground troops -- to protect Libyan civilians. Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi have been responsible for attacks on civilians, and he has shown no inclination to cede power.
Longuet and French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said the use of the military attack helicopters would fall within the U.N. mandate.
A French military spokesman said Sunday a French amphibious assault ship, Le Tonnerre, had sailed from Toulon, France, last week. The French daily newspaper Le Figaro reported Sunday that the Tonnerre was carrying 12 military helicopters and sailing for the Libyan coast. Longuet would not confirm the number of choppers on board.