NATO extends mission in Libya for 90 days

[News_Editor]

NATO extends mission in Libya for 90 days

2011-06-01 22:14:10 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- NATO Secretary General Andres Fogh Rasmussen on Wednesday announced that the alliance and its partners decided to extend the mission in Libya for an additional 90 days.

"This decision sends a clear message to the Gaddafi regime: We are determined to continue our operation to protect the people of Libya," said Rasmussen at NATO's headquarters in Brussels.

NATO took control of foreign military operations in Libya on March 31 under the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorizes member states to take 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians.

"Our decision also sends a clear message to the people of Libya: NATO, our partners, the whole international community, stand with you. We stand united to make sure that you can shape your own future. And that day is getting closer," added Rasmussen.

The aim of Operation Unified Protector is to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under attack or threat of attack. Fourteen of the 28 NATO member states are taking part in the mission.

Libya has been engulfed in a civil war since an uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's regime began in mid-February. Libyan forces have been accused of violently cracking down on anti-government protesters.

NATO's mission in the North African country consists in three main areas: an arms embargo, a no-fly-zone and actions to protect civilians from attack or the threat of attack.

Since the beginning of the operation NATO has conducted 9183 sorties, including 3489 strike sorties which are intended to identify and engage targets, mostly storage facilities and other military-related objectives.

The ongoing civil war between rebels and forces loyal to Gaddafi has so far claimed at least 2,000 lives since unrest began. Other estimates put the death toll from all sides, including civilians, at up to 10,000. An estimated 615,000 people have fled the country so far, with more than 10,000 evacuated from the troubled city of Misrata.

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