Muammar al-Gaddafi: the last battle
- Thread starter mike_cos
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Was it the Dutch who had their peacekeepers captured and murdered in Rwanda, or was that someone else?
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No comment' from MoD over SAS men captured in Libya
Anti-Gaddafi fighters are reportedly well-armed and organised
Details of a UK operation to rebel-held Benghazi in Libya in which eight men - six reportedly SAS - were arrested, have been disclosed to the BBC.
Defence Secretary Liam Fox told the BBC a small diplomatic team was in Benghazi and "they were in touch with them".
The BBC's Jon Leyne said eyewitnesses saw six men in black overalls land in a helicopter near the city early on Friday who were met by two others.
They were later arrested when it was discovered they were carrying weapons.
According to an earlier report in the Sunday Times the unit was trying to put UK diplomats in touch with rebels trying to topple the Gaddafi regime.
In a statement, the MoD said: "We neither confirm nor deny the story and we do not comment on the special forces."
Our correspondent, who is in Benghazi, said the men went to the compound of an agricultural company where they were challenged by Libyan guards and asked if they had weapons.
"Witnesses said that when the men's bags were checked they were found to contain arms, ammunition,
explosives, maps and passports from at least four different nationalities.
"The witnesses said at that point all eight men were arrested and taken to an army base in Benghazi where they are being held by the opposition forces who control this area."
Defence Secretary Liam Fox told the BBC a small diplomatic team was in Benghazi and "they were in touch with them".
The BBC's Jon Leyne said eyewitnesses saw six men in black overalls land in a helicopter near the city early on Friday who were met by two others.
They were later arrested when it was discovered they were carrying weapons.
According to an earlier report in the Sunday Times the unit was trying to put UK diplomats in touch with rebels trying to topple the Gaddafi regime.
In a statement, the MoD said: "We neither confirm nor deny the story and we do not comment on the special forces."
Our correspondent, who is in Benghazi, said the men went to the compound of an agricultural company where they were challenged by Libyan guards and asked if they had weapons.
"Witnesses said that when the men's bags were checked they were found to contain arms, ammunition,
explosives, maps and passports from at least four different nationalities.
"The witnesses said at that point all eight men were arrested and taken to an army base in Benghazi where they are being held by the opposition forces who control this area."
That would be Belgium's 2nd BN, Paracommando BDE.
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Libya spreads Dutch military pictures
http://nos.nl/video/223040-libie-verspreidt-beelden-nederlandse-militairen.html
http://nos.nl/video/223040-libie-verspreidt-beelden-nederlandse-militairen.html
Captured SAS unit: Libyan rebels release special forces team
Libyan rebels have released a British special forces team who were detained when a mission to contact opponents of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi went wrong.
The eight-strong group, who were escorting a junior diplomat, has now left the country bound for Malta on board HMS Cumberland
Libyan rebels have released a British special forces team who were detained when a mission to contact opponents of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi went wrong.
The eight-strong group, who were escorting a junior diplomat, has now left the country bound for Malta on board HMS Cumberland
I hope they've got enough dosh to pay for the slabs...
thank goodness was blackop...
Not anymore! 
from a quick reading of "The Military Balance 2011" seems to me that there are no specific tests
on Libya... is not it strange?....
http://www.iiss.org/publications/military-balance/
Here's how the Economist Intelligence Unit, in its Country Report, described the political situation in Libya. The Report is in November of last year but who has read to me in January confirmed that the forecasts are essentially the same:
"Outlook for 2011-2015: Political power will remain vested in the Libyan leader, Muammar Qadhafi. Libya will retain its unique jamahiriya (republic of the people) system, but the structures of government will undergo halting reform. Colonel Qadhafi’s most likely successor is his son, Saif al-Islam Qadhafi. However, he faces entrenched opposition from other elements in the regime, as well as rivalry from some of his siblings."
"The Libyan leader, Muammar Qadhafi, has ruthlessly repressed political dissent, and there are now few real domestic threats to his rule. He has now been in power for over 40 years and will continue to be careful to balance the competing power structures within the political hierarchy. Colonel Qadhafi is likely to withdraw gradually from domestic politics, investing more time in international politics, such as his symbolic role as the "king of kings of Africa".
There is no agreed process for the transfer of power, but Colonel Qadhafi’s tacit support for a number of reforms proposed by his son, Saif al-Islam Qadhafi has made him the most likely successor. Saif Qadhafi therefore appears to have some mandate to implement his economic and political reform programme he has long been in favour of creating a formal constitution and of implementing administrative and market-oriented reform. Other possible successors include one of Colonel Qadhafi’s other six children. However, many Libyans would deeply resent an orchestrated dynastic arrangement and someone may emerge from within the political elite. There is a conservative "old guard" within the regime with considerable vested interests that appears to be staunchly resisting any liberal reforms. This is adding to a climate of uncertainty that could lead to a period of instability immediately after Colonel Qadhafi departs the scene.
However, the succession is unlikely to become a pressing issue while Colonel Qadhafi retains power, which he is expected to do throughout the forecast period."
"There is at present little immediate threat to the ruling elite. However, if the socioeconomic environment were to deteriorate through, for example, rising unemployment, collapsing oil prices or growing inequality, the government could be faced with increased unrest. Feelings of political exclusion have been exacerbated by the disruption of Libya’s independent media, which were nationalised in June 2009 and face repeated suspensions. However, with the economy expected to remain relatively strong and the opposition, with the exception of domestic Islamists, either in exile or lacking clout and coherence, the prospect of any threat to the regime appears limited.
The greatest fear for the authorities remains the potential challenge from homegrown militant Islamist groups, in light of regionwide concerns over the threat posed by al-Qaida affiliates and past Islamist-inspired assassination attempts against Colonel Qadhafi. Reconciliation and rehabilitation negotiations have proceeded secretly, and a steady stream of Islamists has been released from prison in recent months, including 39 from the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group the largest local militant organisation, which recently renounced violence. This suggests that the local militant Islamist threat is declining."
SOURCE: Economist Intelligence Unit
on Libya... is not it strange?....
http://www.iiss.org/publications/military-balance/
Here's how the Economist Intelligence Unit, in its Country Report, described the political situation in Libya. The Report is in November of last year but who has read to me in January confirmed that the forecasts are essentially the same:
"Outlook for 2011-2015: Political power will remain vested in the Libyan leader, Muammar Qadhafi. Libya will retain its unique jamahiriya (republic of the people) system, but the structures of government will undergo halting reform. Colonel Qadhafi’s most likely successor is his son, Saif al-Islam Qadhafi. However, he faces entrenched opposition from other elements in the regime, as well as rivalry from some of his siblings."
"The Libyan leader, Muammar Qadhafi, has ruthlessly repressed political dissent, and there are now few real domestic threats to his rule. He has now been in power for over 40 years and will continue to be careful to balance the competing power structures within the political hierarchy. Colonel Qadhafi is likely to withdraw gradually from domestic politics, investing more time in international politics, such as his symbolic role as the "king of kings of Africa".
There is no agreed process for the transfer of power, but Colonel Qadhafi’s tacit support for a number of reforms proposed by his son, Saif al-Islam Qadhafi has made him the most likely successor. Saif Qadhafi therefore appears to have some mandate to implement his economic and political reform programme he has long been in favour of creating a formal constitution and of implementing administrative and market-oriented reform. Other possible successors include one of Colonel Qadhafi’s other six children. However, many Libyans would deeply resent an orchestrated dynastic arrangement and someone may emerge from within the political elite. There is a conservative "old guard" within the regime with considerable vested interests that appears to be staunchly resisting any liberal reforms. This is adding to a climate of uncertainty that could lead to a period of instability immediately after Colonel Qadhafi departs the scene.
However, the succession is unlikely to become a pressing issue while Colonel Qadhafi retains power, which he is expected to do throughout the forecast period."
"There is at present little immediate threat to the ruling elite. However, if the socioeconomic environment were to deteriorate through, for example, rising unemployment, collapsing oil prices or growing inequality, the government could be faced with increased unrest. Feelings of political exclusion have been exacerbated by the disruption of Libya’s independent media, which were nationalised in June 2009 and face repeated suspensions. However, with the economy expected to remain relatively strong and the opposition, with the exception of domestic Islamists, either in exile or lacking clout and coherence, the prospect of any threat to the regime appears limited.
The greatest fear for the authorities remains the potential challenge from homegrown militant Islamist groups, in light of regionwide concerns over the threat posed by al-Qaida affiliates and past Islamist-inspired assassination attempts against Colonel Qadhafi. Reconciliation and rehabilitation negotiations have proceeded secretly, and a steady stream of Islamists has been released from prison in recent months, including 39 from the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group the largest local militant organisation, which recently renounced violence. This suggests that the local militant Islamist threat is declining."
SOURCE: Economist Intelligence Unit
breaking news....
The microphones have captured one of a television exchange between the two.
"I think - said, Petraeus - who will have more thoughts than usual, you are going to
launch a sort of attack against Libya or something, right? ". "It
exactly like that, "Gates replied... he's really joking?
SOURCE: Italian Government - Press review
The microphones have captured one of a television exchange between the two.
"I think - said, Petraeus - who will have more thoughts than usual, you are going to
launch a sort of attack against Libya or something, right? ". "It
exactly like that, "Gates replied... he's really joking?
SOURCE: Italian Government - Press review
Rasmussen reiterated that there will be intervention only when necessary. Meanwhile NATO
Libyan monitors Libyan sky. Sarkozy calls for shelling. Frattini: "Italy will not participate." Gaddafi recapture Ras Lanuf..."It is time to sum - said Rasmussen - and should be considered other options for a plan"for action. Meanwhile, this morning at dawn patrol at least three NATO Boeing E-3Sentry airspace over Libya. The aircraft will watch the sky for 24 hours at 24 "to provideuseful information to the discussions we will be in Brussels today. " This measure,however, is not a prelude to the no-fly zone "
Libyan monitors Libyan sky. Sarkozy calls for shelling. Frattini: "Italy will not participate." Gaddafi recapture Ras Lanuf..."It is time to sum - said Rasmussen - and should be considered other options for a plan"for action. Meanwhile, this morning at dawn patrol at least three NATO Boeing E-3Sentry airspace over Libya. The aircraft will watch the sky for 24 hours at 24 "to provideuseful information to the discussions we will be in Brussels today. " This measure,however, is not a prelude to the no-fly zone "
For the DNI James Clapper, audited by the Commission yesterday of the SenateDefense U.S., Gaddafi is likely to have the upper hand over the rebels. Given the availability of resources and the best weapons in the long term forces government should win on the rioters. Similar analysis also appears to have been made by General Burgess, Director DIA, the main military intelligence agency.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/world/africa/11clapper.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=clapper&st=cse
who is Clapper?
http://www.odni.gov/clapper_bio.htm
What's DIA?
http://www.dia.mil/
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/world/africa/11clapper.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=clapper&st=cse
who is Clapper?
http://www.odni.gov/clapper_bio.htm
What's DIA?
http://www.dia.mil/
British diplomat captured along with SAS unit in Libya was MI6 agent the government has also confirmed that the botched SAS mission was authorised by Foreign secretary William Hague. The MI6 man was not directly plotting to help broing down Gaddafi, government sources insisted. A Foreign Office source said the team WAS given the green light to go in but local rebels were not told. The senior source said: "It's easy to criticise and the operation didn't go as well as hoped. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. It's vital to know what's going on in Libya." The SAS men were from a unit formerly known as The Increment, hand-picked to protect MI5 and MI6 officials.
Source: Foreign Office
Ha!
Scotth
Verified Military
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/18/libya-calls-for-cease-fire-in-civil-war/?hpt=C1
Seems the threat was good enough to bring the shooting to an end. Doesn't change leadership in the country but at least we can avoid getting tangled up in another conflict.
Scott, it was the maple syrup he was afraid of. ;)
http://www.shadowspear.com/vb/threa...p-enforce-libya-no-fly-zone.9362/#post-128177
http://www.shadowspear.com/vb/threa...p-enforce-libya-no-fly-zone.9362/#post-128177
Maybe, he could be bluffing too.
Call for a ceasefire to stop NATO from moving aircraft in, but start shootin in a couple of days after his guysare rested, and SAMs, etc repositioned.
He's smarter then our leaders, that's why he has been in power for 40 plus years.
