The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday committed a dozen aircraft in support of the U.N.-sanctioned no-fly zone over Libya, officials said, a move welcomed in the United States.
United Arab Emirates Mirage 2000. (Photo by US Air Force)
UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan made the announcement in a brief statement, saying the federation is fully engaged in humanitarian operations in Libya in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and called to take “all necessary action” to support Libyans from government-led attacks.
“As an extension of those humanitarian operations, the UAE Air Force has committed six F-16 and six Mirage aircraft to participate in the patrols that will enforce the No Fly Zone now established over Libya,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said. “UAE Participation in the patrols will commence in the coming days.”
In the United States, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said it welcomes “this important contribution” by the UAE. “This critical participation by the UAE further underscores the broad, international support for the protection of the Libyan people. The UAE has been a leader on this issue within the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League,” he said.
