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Libya Apache deployment approved by David Cameron Libya Apache deployment approved by David Cameron
(40 minutes later)
The UK is sending four Apache attack helicopters to the mission in Libya, after approval by the prime minister.The UK is sending four Apache attack helicopters to the mission in Libya, after approval by the prime minister.
They will allow for swifter attacks on a wider range of smaller targets in urban areas.They will allow for swifter attacks on a wider range of smaller targets in urban areas.
There had been speculation about the move after France said it would be deploying French Tiger helicopters. The Apache helicopters, normally based at Wattisham, in Suffolk, are expected to go into operation within days.
Downing Street says Col Gaddafi is "on the run" and hopes the deployment of the Apaches can help deliver the final blow in the Nato mission.Downing Street says Col Gaddafi is "on the run" and hopes the deployment of the Apaches can help deliver the final blow in the Nato mission.
Intelligence is said to show the Libyan leader is moving between hospitals in the Tripoli area as strikes take their toll, and officials believe the regime might be beginning to "fracture". Intelligence is said to show the Libyan leader is moving between hospitals in the Tripoli area in the belief that it is the only way he will be safe, and officials believe the regime might be beginning to "fracture".
The final decision on the deployment of the Apaches rested with David Cameron, who had requested more information about possible risks while he was en route to the G8 Summit in France. The Apache helicopters and their pilots, who are part of the Army Air Corps, are currently on exercise in the Mediterranean.
The Apache helicopters and their pilots, who are part of the Army Air Corps, are normally based at Wattisham airfield, in Suffolk, but are currently on exercise in the Mediterranean. There had been speculation about the move since Monday after France said it would be deploying French Tiger helicopters and the UK would be sending Apaches.
Their deployment means there will be less chance of civilian casualties in operations that are relying on the use of jets alone, said the BBC's political editor Nick Robinson. The final decision on their deployment rested with David Cameron, who earlier on Thursday had requested more information about possible risks, while he was en route to the G8 Summit in France.
But he added that the risk was that the Apaches could be targeted themselves as they operate at lower altitudes and Libyan forces loyal to Col Gaddafi have access to thousands of surface-to-air missiles. BBC political editor Nick Robinson says the prime minister is determined that the deployment will not be seen as a desperate attempt to break military deadlock but instead as an example of the UK turning up the heat on the regime.
Their deployment was discussed at a meeting of the UK's National Security Council at Downing Street earlier on Thursday. But more than two months after he ordered military action, Mr Cameron has taken another decision which he knows is fraught with risks, adds our correspondent.
Mr Cameron has talked about "turning up the pressure" on Col Gaddafi but the Apache helicopters are expected to go into operation "within days" rather than overnight. The deployment of Apaches in Libya means there will be less chance of civilian casualties in operations that currently rely on the use of jets alone.
But the Apaches could be targeted themselves as they operate at lower altitudes and Libyan forces loyal to Col Gaddafi still have access to thousands of surface-to-air missiles.
The deployment was discussed at a meeting of the UK's National Security Council at Downing Street on Thursday.
It is two months since UN Security Council Resolution 1973 authorised air strikes to protect Libyan civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Col Gaddafi.It is two months since UN Security Council Resolution 1973 authorised air strikes to protect Libyan civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Col Gaddafi.
The UN vote followed the violent suppression of protests against Col Gaddafi's regime and military strikes against Col Gaddafi's forces in support of the rebels began on 19 March.The UN vote followed the violent suppression of protests against Col Gaddafi's regime and military strikes against Col Gaddafi's forces in support of the rebels began on 19 March.