Attack of the drones: Now Obama approves the use of unmanned aircraft in Libya conflict
By David Gardner
Turning up the heat: President Barack Obama has approved the use of drone attack aircraft in Libya
America turned up the heat on Colonel Gaddafi last night by approving the use of killer Predator drones in Libya.
The first U.S. drone attack on pro-government forces was aborted last night because of bad weather.
But U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates confirmed that President Barack Obama has given military chiefs the go ahead to launch the state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft that have been so effective in Iraq and against Taliban militants along Afghanistans border with Pakistan.
Although Mr Obama has maintained the coalition campaign against Libya was not specifically targetting Colonel Gaddafi, the drones could be used in a pinpoint attack on the Libyan leader or his sons.
Deployment of the Predators is meant to send a message to critics who have complained that the Obama administration is not pulling its weight in Libya to help the embattled rebels.
At the same time, the president can sell the move to a sceptical public by insisting that no American lives are being put at risk.
Top brass: Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, and Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. James Cartwright announced the move at a Pentagon press conference
It is a more politically acceptable escalation that allows an arms length show of force, said one senior Pentagon official.
Mr Gates told a Pentagon news conference that the U.S. Air Force drone is an example of the military capabilities the president is willing to contribute to help combat Gaddafi.
Marine General James Cartwright confirmed yesterdays Predator mission was scrapped.
He said the weapon allows low-level precision attacks on enemy forces. Experts claim the drones could be a game changer because they could allow strikes against Gaddafi troops ensconced in heavily built-up areas.
Armed response: Deployment of the Predators is meant to send a message to critics who have complained that the Obama administration is not pulling its weight in Libya
Remote combatant: Predators are flown remotely, usually from the Creech Air Force base, outside Las Vegas. That no Americans will be put at risk will help the President sell the move to a sceptical public
Heads up: The Predator is armed with two Hellfire missiles, has a range of 3,200 km and can stay in the air for as long as 24 hours
The Predator is armed with two Hellfire missiles, has a range of 3,200 km and can stay in the air for as long as 24 hours.
Gaddafi has made little use of his aircraft since the international no-fly zone was enforced, meaning the effectiveness of the allied air mission was limited.
The drones allow commanders to target the tanks and other artillery the government forces have been using to push back against the rebels.
The Predators are flown remotely, usually from the Creech Air Force base just outside Las Vegas.
The US action came as rebel troops claimed the capture of the Wazin border crossing with Tunisia following fighting outside the desert town of Nalut, about 140 miles southwest of Tripoli.
Fierce fighting: Rebel fighters carefully move into a building where government troops are trapped during street fighting on Tripoli Street, downtown Misrata
War zone: Rebel fighters run for cover inside a building on the frontline in Tripoli street. President Obama had been accused of not doing enough to help the insurgents
Mortal struggle: Fighters carry out a comrade wounded during an effort to dislodge government loyalist troops firing on them during house-to-house fighting on Tripoli Street
By David Gardner
America turned up the heat on Colonel Gaddafi last night by approving the use of killer Predator drones in Libya.
The first U.S. drone attack on pro-government forces was aborted last night because of bad weather.
But U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates confirmed that President Barack Obama has given military chiefs the go ahead to launch the state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft that have been so effective in Iraq and against Taliban militants along Afghanistans border with Pakistan.
Although Mr Obama has maintained the coalition campaign against Libya was not specifically targetting Colonel Gaddafi, the drones could be used in a pinpoint attack on the Libyan leader or his sons.
Deployment of the Predators is meant to send a message to critics who have complained that the Obama administration is not pulling its weight in Libya to help the embattled rebels.
At the same time, the president can sell the move to a sceptical public by insisting that no American lives are being put at risk.
It is a more politically acceptable escalation that allows an arms length show of force, said one senior Pentagon official.
Mr Gates told a Pentagon news conference that the U.S. Air Force drone is an example of the military capabilities the president is willing to contribute to help combat Gaddafi.
Marine General James Cartwright confirmed yesterdays Predator mission was scrapped.
He said the weapon allows low-level precision attacks on enemy forces. Experts claim the drones could be a game changer because they could allow strikes against Gaddafi troops ensconced in heavily built-up areas.
The Predator is armed with two Hellfire missiles, has a range of 3,200 km and can stay in the air for as long as 24 hours.
Gaddafi has made little use of his aircraft since the international no-fly zone was enforced, meaning the effectiveness of the allied air mission was limited.
The drones allow commanders to target the tanks and other artillery the government forces have been using to push back against the rebels.
The Predators are flown remotely, usually from the Creech Air Force base just outside Las Vegas.
The US action came as rebel troops claimed the capture of the Wazin border crossing with Tunisia following fighting outside the desert town of Nalut, about 140 miles southwest of Tripoli.
