U.S. deploys low-flying attack planes in Libya [Turning a No-Fly Zone into a No-Walk Zone]

Washington Compost ^ | 28 March 2011 | Greg Jaffe and Karen DeYoung

[Fractal Trader]

he U.S. military dramatically stepped up its assault on Libyan government ground forces this weekend, launching its first attacks with AC-130 flying gunships and A-10 attack aircraft, which are designed to strike enemy ground troops and supply convoys, according to senior U.S. military officials.

Gallery: Conflict and chaos in Libya: As international airstrikes continue against forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, rebel fighters push forward. Cast Your Vote

Their use, during several days of heavy fighting in which the momentum seemed to swing in favor of the rebels, demonstrated how allied military forces have been drawn deeper into the chaotic fight in Libya. A mission that initially seemed to revolve around establishing a no-fly zone has become focused on halting advances by ground forces in and around Libya’s key coastal cities.

The AC-130s, which fly low and slow over the battlefield and are typically more vulnerable to enemy fire than fast-moving fighter jets, were deployed only after a week of sustained coalition attacks on Libyan government air defenses and radar. Armed with heavy machine guns and cannons that rake the ground, they allow strikes on dug-in Libyan ground forces and convoys in closer proximity to civilians.

Their use in Libya could be “a significant game changer,” said a senior military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations.

Military officials consider AC-130s and A-10s well suited to attacks in built-up areas, although they pose more risk for pilots and their lethality has been criticized as indiscriminate in past wars. The gunships, developed from a Hercules C-130 transport plane for use in Vietnam, have been used in virtually every U.S. military combat operation since then, including Grenada, Panama, Bosnia and Kosovo, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan.

[YankeeReb]

I don't hear too much caterwauling from the left over this war. 0bama started it while he was in Rio, w/o consulting congress, (he did get UN approval though) , there seem to be no clear objectives and it seems like the UN, or the EU is calling the shots. We're still supplying most of the men & equipment though.

I hope someone knows what they're doing and we're not going to have our troops used as an election stunt for Barry.

Please God let me be wrong
Please watch over our troops.

[scooby321]

UN approval for a no fly zone not a slaughter of the Government forces.

[Travis McGee]

The Libyan Army has flying tanks? Who knew?

[combat_boots]

Tank killers and anti-personnel aircraft. Gee.

We’re here to protect U.

R2P
http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/

[seawolf101]

"OBAMA THE WAR MONGER"

"OBAMA LIED PEOPLE DIED"

Where are all those protesters now that Obama has declared war........Crickets

[biff]

I am surprised no Stingers or other SA’s have not shown up. Hard to believe MK does not have any, a requirement for defense in modern warfare.