Why did many countries attack Libya?

On the night of 19 local time, many countries led by France, the United States, Britain and other countries launched an all-round military strike against Libya, and Libyan officials confirmed that many targets were attacked by missiles. Local TV reported that 48 people were killed and 150 people were injured. Analysts believe that the countries participating in the war actually have their own purposes in carrying out military strikes against Libya in the name of implementing UN Security Council resolutions.

Military intervention >>& gt

NATO fighter planes assembled in Italy.

In order to assist France, Britain, the United States and other countries in their military operations against Libya, Italy has opened seven air bases, most of which are located in the southern region near Sicily, Italy, and 1 is located in the northern region of Italy.

According to the latest news, six Canadian warplanes have arrived at the military base in Sicily, and the United States, Denmark and other countries are also sending warplanes here. Because these bases are close to Libya, the nearest airport may be only about 400 kilometers away from Libya. If the fighter plane is launched, it will reach Libya in ten minutes.

In addition to the United States, Britain and France, Canada, Spain, Norway and other countries also participated in this military operation. French officials said that during the military intervention, the United Arab Emirates also dispatched 24 fighters, and Qatar dispatched 4 to 6 fighters.

The United States and Britain launched 1 12 cruise missiles.

William Gottney, director of the US General Staff, said on June 5438+09 that US and British warships and submarines deployed in the Mediterranean launched hundreds of Tomahawk cruise missiles at Libya that day, attacking more than 20 air defense facilities in Libya. Gottne said that the US air strikes against Libya have two purposes: to prevent Libyan troops from continuing to attack rebels and civilians; Strike the Libyan army's ability to prevent the establishment of a no-fly zone.

Gottney said at a news conference held at the Pentagon that the crackdown was launched earlier that afternoon. The United States and Britain launched 1 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles, mainly targeting the "key nodes" of Libya's overall air defense system, with more than 20 targets.

After the U.S., Britain and France launched air strikes against Libya on June 5438+09, the U.S. publicly put forward "four demands" to the Libyan army, and the pressure on the latter must be implemented unequivocally. That is, there must be an immediate ceasefire, the siege of the opposition stationed in Benghazi (Libya's second largest city) must be stopped, the supply of water, electricity and natural gas must be restored, and the Libyan people must be allowed to receive humanitarian relief.

French warplanes destroyed four tanks.

French fighter planes 19 have carried out four military strikes in Libya, destroying several armored vehicles of Gaddafi's army.

French media quoted military sources as saying that around 7: 45 Paris time 17: 45, French warplanes opened fire on a military vehicle of Gaddafi's army in Libya, and carried out the first air strike against Libya. In the next few hours, French "Gust" and "Mirage -2000" fighters carried out three more air strikes, destroying several armored vehicles of Gaddafi's army. It is reported that more than 20 French warplanes participated in the air raid, and the operation will continue in the evening. However, French Foreign Minister Juppe said in an interview with National Television 2 that night that France would not launch ground operations.

BBC News quoted Al Jazeera's latest news as saying that French warplanes destroyed four Libyan government tanks in the air raid southwest of Benghazi that day.

Libya responded >>& gt

Benefiting the air force or losing combat effectiveness

After the air strikes against Libya began in the early morning of the 20th, the Libyan Air Force had no combat capability at all. According to the local news, only 60 pilots of the Liberian Air Force can have real combat power, and most of the planes are old-fashioned Soviet fighters, not rivals at all, so the first round of attacks may not have combat power.

Gaddafi's tough response

On the 20th, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi made a speech through the media, calling on "all Libyan people to arm themselves against the aggressors" and said that he would never give oil to countries such as the United States, Britain and France.

Speaking on Libyan state-owned television, Gaddafi said: "Those who stick to their homes will eventually win. Our oil will never be left to America, France and Britain. Your bombing can't scare us. "

According to British media reports, Gaddafi also said: "All Libyan people will be armed against the aggressors, and the Libyan people will definitely defeat you."

National statement >>& gt

Japan supports military action against Libya.

After many countries launched military strikes against Libya in June, 5438+09, Japan expressed its support for the actions of many countries on the 20th, hoping that Gaddafi would make a "prudent decision".

According to Agence France-Presse reported on the 20th, Japanese Foreign Minister Matsumoto said in a statement on the 20th: "The Japanese government supports the measures taken by UN Member States in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1973." He also said: "We strongly condemn the continuous violent actions taken by the Libyan authorities against the people. We strongly urge the Libyan authorities to make a prudent decision as soon as possible. "

Venezuela accuses the west.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chá vez made a televised speech after French warplanes started firing at Libyan military targets.

Chavez also accused the United States and its allies of wanting Libyan oil and urged the United States and the European Union to stop military operations.

He said that their actions were military intervention in a country and they trampled on international law. He called on all parties to achieve a real ceasefire, take the road of peaceful settlement of disputes in North Africa and the world, and stop military interference in other countries' regimes.

Analysis >>& gt

Countries at war have their own plans.

On the surface, western countries attacked Libya in order to implement the UN Security Council resolutions. However, many foreign experts and international media believe that countries involved in military operations actually have their own interests to consider.

Mikhail, a researcher on North Africa and the Middle East at the French Foundation for International Relations and Foreign Exchanges, believes that France has been trying to show its unique position. If Sarkozy wins the bet, "he will have a good card in the French presidential election in 20 12". The French newspaper le figaro published an editorial on June 5438+09, arguing that Sarkozy, with the support of (British Prime Minister) Cameron, filled the lost leadership position of Obama. Belgian Prime Minister Letem said: "Obviously, France has ensured the leading position in military operations in Libya's airspace." The United States, mired in two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, did not actively promote military strikes against Libya at first. So, why did it finally join the battle? The US "Wall Street Journal" said that there are many factors that promote the change of the US position, among which the Obama administration is worried that Britain and France will steal the limelight. In addition, the rapid development of the situation in Libya is also one of the reasons for the changes in US military and foreign policy.

Many foreign observers believe that although the United States, Britain and France each have their own abacus, their purposes are the same: First, take advantage of the rare opportunity of the Libyan rebels to overthrow the Qaddafi regime that the West has been paying attention to; The second is to take advantage of the recent situation that Libyan rebels are at a disadvantage on the battlefield and provide them with support, laying the groundwork for the opposition to seek greater oil interests in Libya once it comes to power.

Xinhua Zhongxin Zonghe

(This article Source: Jiangnan Times)