Global General

NATO confirms use of attack helicopters in Libya

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-04 16:51

BRUSSELS - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said on Saturday it has used attack helicopters for the first time in its military operations against Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi's forces.

British and French military officials have confirmed that Apache helicopters and French Tigre and Gazelle craft were engaged in raids on Gadhafi's troops overnight.

"The targets struck included military vehicles, military equipment and fielded forces," NATO said on its website.

"We will continue to use these assets whenever and wherever needed, using the same precision as we do in all of our missions," said Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard, commander of Operation Unified Protector against Libya.

The world's major powers, Britain, the United States and France, started on March 19 strikes from the air and the sea against the Gaddafi forces, demanding Gaddafi to step down.

The opposition, gaining strength and support, still falls short of having an absolute edge over the Gadhafi forces.