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22/03/2011
US Warplane Crash-Lands In Libya
A US military spokesman has confirmed that an American warplane has crash-landed in Libya.
It is believed the F-15E Eagle suffered a mechanical failure.
Both crew members ejected to safety.
After a third night of air strikes, the plane went down close to Benghazi.
Since Saturday, the US-led coalition has been active over Libya, employing the UN resolution to protect civilians from Gaddafi's regime.
Libyan authorities confirmed that a naval base in Bussetta, and a fishing village had been hit by air strikes. A blast close to Col Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound was also reported.
Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said air and missile strikes had caused "numerous" civilian casualties, especially at the "civilian airport" in Sirte.
On Tuesday, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said coalition forces were "going to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties".
Meanwhile, Britain has stepped up efforts by coalition forces to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya.
After the arrival of around a dozen planes, the operation to move British aircraft to a base in southern Italy for missions is underway.
RAF Typhoon fighters have completed their first mission to patrol the zone.
The move comes as Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey said it was unclear how long the mission would last. He added that using ground troops "could not be ruled out".
(BMcN/GK)
It is believed the F-15E Eagle suffered a mechanical failure.
Both crew members ejected to safety.
After a third night of air strikes, the plane went down close to Benghazi.
Since Saturday, the US-led coalition has been active over Libya, employing the UN resolution to protect civilians from Gaddafi's regime.
Libyan authorities confirmed that a naval base in Bussetta, and a fishing village had been hit by air strikes. A blast close to Col Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound was also reported.
Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said air and missile strikes had caused "numerous" civilian casualties, especially at the "civilian airport" in Sirte.
On Tuesday, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said coalition forces were "going to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties".
Meanwhile, Britain has stepped up efforts by coalition forces to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya.
After the arrival of around a dozen planes, the operation to move British aircraft to a base in southern Italy for missions is underway.
RAF Typhoon fighters have completed their first mission to patrol the zone.
The move comes as Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey said it was unclear how long the mission would last. He added that using ground troops "could not be ruled out".
(BMcN/GK)
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