Libya: Keeping Up the Pressure
- September 7th, 2011
- Posted by EUEditor
The latest NATO communique shows there is no let-up in the military campaign over Libya.
The alliance, under a United Nations mandate authorising action to prevent attacks on the civilian population by the then Gaddafi government, has been conducting air operations, a naval patrol, and humanitarian work, for close to six months.
This has included 8180 strikes by aircraft,or action to identify targets, together reported by NATO as “strike sorties”.
This week, National Transitional Council forces have been closing in on the Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte, though putting off an armed assault against the chaces of a negotiated settlement there.
The NATO communique from Brussels for Tuesday, however, indicates that preparatory action has continued:-
Strike sorties conducted 06 SEPTEMBER: 40
Key Hits 06 SEPTEMBER:
In the vicinity of Sirte: 1 Surface to Air Missile Canister, 1 Multiple Rocket Launcher, 4 Armed Vehicle, 1 Ammo Storage Facility, 6 Tanks, 6 Armoured Fighting Vehicles, 1 Self Propelled Artillery.
In the vicinity of Hun: 3 Radars, 3 Anti Aircraft Guns.
In the vicinity of Sebha: 1 Surface to Air Missile Facility.
In the vicinity of Waddan: 8 Anti Aircraft Guns.
The NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, declared on 1.9.11,”we are determined to continue our mission for as long as attacks and threats continue, but not a day longer than necessary.”
He was speaking at the International Conference on Libya, in Paris, which began organising financial support for the transitional giovernment.
The former Libyan leader Muamar al-Gaddafi has still not been located, as pressure continues against his remaining forces.
Reference
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Brussels, NATO and Libya, 7.9.11.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Brussels, “News from NATO HQ: We will complete our mission, NATO Secretary General says”, 2.9.11.