AFP - The United States announced Thursday the use of armed drones in Libya, responding to the desire of some NATO countries to a tightening of air operations, but Washington intends to remain behind military action against the forces pro -Gaddafi.
President Barack Obama "has approved the use of armed Predators and I think that this was their first mission today," said U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates during a press conference.
After leading the international coalition intervening to protect civilians and establish a no-fly zone during the first days of the intervention, the United States have ended their bombing missions in early April.
Since they merely a supporting role in NATO with their "unique capabilities," including their many tanker aircraft and interference.
But they retain the provision of means of air strikes if the Atlantic alliance so requests.Including unmanned Predator craft very patient and carrying two missiles or two 125 kg bombs.
"What they bring unique is the ability to fly lower and thus have a better visibility on specific targets, now they (the forces loyal to Colonel Qaddafi) began to bury in defensive positions, "said Deputy Chief of Joint Staff, General James Cartwright, saying they were" perfectly adapted "to urban areas.
Two Predators are constantly engaged over Libya, which requires the mobilization of about 8 UAVs, "he added.The first flights took place on Thursday but could not carried out strikes because of bad weather, he said.
These UAVs are available since early April and have already conducted intelligence missions, told AFP an official of Defense. At the request of NATO they will now conduct strikes, "he added.
The Atlantic organization has been under fire from critics of the Libyan opposition and some of its members in recent days, accused of not doing enough against forces loyal to the Libyan leader.
France and the United Kingdom are responsible for half of bombing missions and four allies - Belgium, Canada, Denmark and Norway - make the other half.For these six countries, greater burden-sharing and military policy would be welcome.
Besides their role in supporting the U.S. side made eight of their strikes against sites in air defense since the handover of command to NATO in early April.
For the boss of the Pentagon, "NATO has shown its ability to continue the mission" is to say, to lead and conduct military operations.
But the commitment of drones does not change the nature of U.S. engagement, "he warned.
Reluctant to American intervention in Libya, Mr.Gates did not fail to recall that the U.S. had "significant commitments outside the Middle East," citing the 100,000 soldiers deployed in Afghanistan.
These drones are a very limited "that provide" additional capacity to NATO, "said Secretary of Defense, saying this" modest contribution ".
The fall of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi is the "political purposes" but it is for the Libyans to do it, he said: "It works best when done from the inside and it can take time."
