.UK to use bunker buster bombs in Libya
Britain is preparing to use heavy bunker-buster bombs on Libya to further pressure Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi to quit power.
Britain's Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that the bomb called Enhanced Paveway III, which weighs nearly one ton, can penetrate the roof or wall of reinforced buildings, Reuters reported.
The bunker buster bombs have been sent to Gioia del Colle in southern Italy, where British jets operating in Libya are based, to be loaded on RAF Tornado warplanes, the ministry said.
The ministry pointed out that the bombs are to be used against Gaddafi's bunkers under his place of residence in Bab Al-Aziziya district in central Tripoli. NATO jets have stepped up attacks on Gaddafi's compound in the past days.
Britain's Defense Secretary Liam Fox said the introduction of Paveway III bombs is aimed at protecting the lives of civilians as well as implementing the UN Resolutions 1970 and 1973.
Resolution 1970, adopted in February, imposed a series of sanctions on Libya, while Resolution 1973, passed in March, authorized the enforcement of a no-fly zone to protect civilians against aerial attacks by Gaddafi forces.
Fox added that the bombs will send a warning message to “Gaddafi's inner circle.”
"Gaddafi may not be capable of listening but those around him would be wise to do so," the defense minister said.
Britain has deployed Apache helicopters to military operations in Libya which, together with French Tiger attack helicopters, are expected to launch strikes in the coming days.
PressTV
Britain's Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that the bomb called Enhanced Paveway III, which weighs nearly one ton, can penetrate the roof or wall of reinforced buildings, Reuters reported.
The bunker buster bombs have been sent to Gioia del Colle in southern Italy, where British jets operating in Libya are based, to be loaded on RAF Tornado warplanes, the ministry said.
The ministry pointed out that the bombs are to be used against Gaddafi's bunkers under his place of residence in Bab Al-Aziziya district in central Tripoli. NATO jets have stepped up attacks on Gaddafi's compound in the past days.
Britain's Defense Secretary Liam Fox said the introduction of Paveway III bombs is aimed at protecting the lives of civilians as well as implementing the UN Resolutions 1970 and 1973.
Resolution 1970, adopted in February, imposed a series of sanctions on Libya, while Resolution 1973, passed in March, authorized the enforcement of a no-fly zone to protect civilians against aerial attacks by Gaddafi forces.
Fox added that the bombs will send a warning message to “Gaddafi's inner circle.”
"Gaddafi may not be capable of listening but those around him would be wise to do so," the defense minister said.
Britain has deployed Apache helicopters to military operations in Libya which, together with French Tiger attack helicopters, are expected to launch strikes in the coming days.
PressTV
posted by madtom at 11:58 PM
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