NATO Helicopters In Libya

For the first time since NATO launched an air war against Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi in March, attack helicopters have been applied against forces loyal to Gadhafi's regime.

In a statement, NATO stated how the helicopters have been applied on Saturday morning, June 4, to strike targets that included military vehicles, military equipment and fielded forces.

"This successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters," stated Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard, the commander in the alliance's Libya force. "We will continue to use these assets whenever and in which needed, while using exact same precision as we do in all of our missions."

Last month, Britain and France had stated they have been doing helicopters out there as component in the ongoing mission in Libya. The statement released from NATO stated utilizing helicopters provides additional flexibility to track and engage pro-Gadhafi forces who "deliberately target civilians and attempt to hide in populated areas."

However, helicopters are also simpler to attack from the ground than fighter jets, which had, until now, been applied for airstrikes in Libya.

Foreign influences

Meanwhile, China confirmed its very first diplomatic contact in the Libyan rebels. The meeting took location in Qatar, in which Beijing's ambassador to Qatar, Zhang Zhiliang, met with Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the chairman in the rebel council.

In the United States, the Household of Representatives passed a resolution calling for President Obama to clarify the country's role in Libya.

Obama did not seek Congressional approval previous to commencing US military action in Libya.