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UK Apaches to join Libya war

Press TV – May 27, 2011

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed that Britain seeks to play a bigger part in the Libya war as it is set to deploy Apache attack helicopters to the North African country.

Despite mounting pressure over Britain’s involvement in the Libya war and the opposition of the UK anti-war unions to the government’s foreign policies, the British government has taken another step to increase NATO military intervention in Libya.

Cameron, Defense Secretary Liam Fox and the military chiefs have finally decided to send four Apache attack helicopters to Libya to aid the NATO operation, along with more warplane deployments.

While the presence of the Apache helicopters would risk the lives of the Libyan civilians, Shadow Defense Secretary Jim Murphy said the British troops must have the best military equipment possible in Libya.

“Libya appears to have slid into stalemate and this move represents an intensification of military efforts. This decision will put British service personnel in greater danger. The Government needs to be clear with the British public about why this is necessary now and the military purpose behind this move,” he said.

Asking for greater description of the coalition’s endgame, Murphy said, “Many will worry that the British military commitment should not be open-ended, and so we need to hear more from Ministers on their political strategy to achieve the objectives of UN resolution 1973.”

Claiming NATO needs to increase pressures on Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi, Cameron said that “the time is right to turn the screw.”

According to sources, the helicopters and their pilots are presently exercising in the Mediterranean, preparing to be deployed to Libya.

The helicopters can swiftly attack small targets in the urban areas, which are not possible by the currently used jets.

Meanwhile, a Downing Street spokesman has reportedly said, “Ministers have given clearance in principle for the deployment of attack helicopters in Libya. It is a matter now for military commanders to make decisions on deployment.”

The French government has also announced that it will be deploying the French Tiger attack helicopters to Libya, in a move to increase military pressures on Gaddafi.

May 27, 2011 - Posted by | Illegal Occupation, Militarism

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