US Deploys 12,000 Troops In Libya

[ The US recently sent similar troop numbers to Kuwait – and now this ]

 

The United States has sent some 12,000 soldiers to Libya,

in the first phase of deployments to the oil-rich North African nation.

According to Asharq Alawsat, the troops landed in the eastern oil port city of Brega.

Although the deployment is said to be aimed at generating stability and security in the region,

the troops are expected to take control

of the country’s key oil fields

and strategic ports.

Brega, the site of an important oil refinery, serves as a major export hub for Libyan oil.

The town is also one of the five oil terminals in the eastern half of the country.

Following the popular uprising of the Libyan people,

NATO launched a major air campaign against the forces of the former regime on March 19, 2011

under a UN mandate to “protect the Libyan population.”

The Western military alliance, however,

was heavily criticized for its failure to protect civilians

and taking action beyond the terms of the UN mandate.

On October 20, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was killed in his hometown of Sirte,

eight months into an uprising that put an end to his 42-year dictatorship.

Human rights groups have accused NATO

of committing war crimes

and human rights violations

against Libyans.

 

Source

 

Next Post

Human Rights Groups Charge NATO With War Crimes In Libya

Mon Jan 23 , 2012
`   There is strong evidence that NATO carried out war crimes in its eight-month war for regime-change in Libya, according to a report released Thursday by Middle East human rights groups. The United Nations resolution authorizing “all necessary measures” to protect civilians was utilized as the justification for military […]

You May Like

//