By Dennis Otim

6^th June 2011:

The deadly Apache combat helicopter

The deadly British Apache combat helicopters have destroyed a radar station and a military checkpoint held by Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s forces near Brega in their first mission over Libya.

Launched just after midnight last Friday, the British Apaches helicopters flew stealthily under the cover darkness from Britain’s aircraft carrying vessel HMS Ocean that is stationed off the African coast.  The British launched their attack alongside their French NATO counterparts who also deployed combat helicopters from their assault ship Tonnerre.

Major General Nick Pope, the spokesman for Britain’s Chief of the Defence Staff, said in a statement that, “…Apache attack helicopters flying from HMS Ocean, conducted their first operational sorties over Libya last night.  The Apaches were tasked with precision strikes against a regime radar installation and a military checkpoint, both located around Brega.  Hellfire missiles and 30mm cannon were used to destroy the targets; the helicopters then returned safely to HMS Ocean”.

The town of Brega, famous for its oil fields, is roughly where Libyan government and rebel forces have reached a stalemate in recent weeks.  Major General Pope said the attack was coordinated with other coalition partners from NATO’s air operations centre in Poggio, Italy.  France announced that it had deployed its Gazelle and Tigre helicopters.

Britain announced over a week ago that it would deploy four Apache helicopters to join the NATO mission against Gaddafi’s forces.  It however didn’t give any indication as to how many of them were involved in the overnight mission although some British MOD video clips showed two Apache helicopters taking off and returning on board HMS Ocean.

British Defence Secretary Dr. Liam Fox hailed the mission, which comes less than a year after the coalition government axed Britain’s only jet-capable aircraft carrier as part of sweeping cuts.  “…This was the first operational mission flown by British Army Apaches at sea”, he said. END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.