Half of the strikes on Libya, made in the USA (updated)
(BRUSSELS2) Even if their desire is to provide a more discreet support role (supplies, intelligence, electronic warfare, etc.), the Americans are still very much involved in military action in Libya. They have carried out half of the strikes since the start of the operation. Evidenced by the report made by Vice-Admiral Gortney, March 28.
Out of a total of 735 strike sorties, 370 strike sorties were carried out by the Americans and 365 by coalition partners. And the operation is growing in strength rather than decreasing: 91 sorties (41 Us / 50 allies) on Friday (March 25), 88 sorties (40 Us / 48 allies) on Saturday (March 26) and 107 sorties (52 Us / 55 allies) Sunday (March 27).
NB: when we talk about exits, it is about a plane that leaves. In general, planes come out in pairs. It is therefore necessary to divide this figure at least by two, without counting the missions which did not result in a shot in the end.
Among the targets hit, map in support, we learn that the Belgians struck at Mesdah/Mizdah on an arms depot (US, Danish, Canadian, Belgian strikes). Other strikes took place in Misrata, Sirte/Surt, and Ras Lanuf (US and UK on maneuvering forces), Sabha (US on weapons bunkers) and Tripoli (US on maneuvering forces and anti-aircraft batteries). - mobile aerial surface-to-air missiles SAM 6). The Americans notably targeted, on the night of Saturday to Sunday, the headquarters of Gaddafi's elite unit, the 32nd Brigade. Six Tomahawk missiles (TLAMs) were fired at installations at this elite regime unit, led by Khamis, one of Gaddafi's sons.
If we take the total outputs (hunting, surveillance, supply, command and strikes), we arrive at a total of 1602 outputs, including 983 provided by the Americans and 619 by the coalition. Qatar having joined the coalition on March 25 and Belgium on March 27. NB: For their part, the French made 200 sorties in total, says the General Staff of the armies.
The United States provides a major part of the support: 80% of air supplies, almost 75% of surveillance hours and 100% of electronic warfare missions, says Vice Admiral Gortney.
