Operational Media Update

NATO and Libya - 22 April

Issued on 23 Apr. 2011
 
23 April. JFC Naples, SHAPE, NATO HQ

Mission

On March 27, NATO decided to take control over all military operations for Libya under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 & 1973. The aim of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR is to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under attack or threat of attack.

The mission consists of three elements: an arms embargo, a no-fly-zone and actions to protect civilians from attack or the threat of attack.

Over the past 24 hours, NATO has conducted the following activities associated with Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR:

Air Operations

Since the beginning of the NATO operation (31 March 2011, 08.00GMT) a total of 3,438 sorties and 1,432 strike sorties* have been conducted.

Sorties conducted 22 April: 138

Strike sorties conducted 22 April: 59

*Strike sorties are intended to identify and engage appropriate targets, but do not necessarily deploy munitions each time.

Key Targets and Engagements**

22 April: In Tripoli: 2 command and control bunkers. In vicinity of Misurata:3 tanks, 1 bunker, 1 early warning radar, 1 surface to air radar. In vicinity of Zintan: 2 tanks, 2 bunkers, buildings  In vicinity of  Mizdah: 3 ammunition storage bunkers. In vicinity of Ras Lanuf: 1 tank, 1 armoured vehicle..

**Key Engagements are not intended to give a complete account of all targets which were engaged.

Arms Embargo Activities

A total of 18 ships under NATO command are actively patrolling the Central Mediterranean.
47 vessels were hailed on 22 April to determine destination and cargo. 1 boarding and 0 diversion were conducted.
A total of 571 vessels have been hailed, 14 boarded and 5 diverted since the beginning of arms embargo operations.

International Humanitarian Assistance Movements as recorded by NATO

Total of Humanitarian Movements ***: 110(air, ground, maritime)
Ships delivering Humanitarian Assistance 22 April: 1 executed, 10 in execution.
Aircraft delivering Humanitarian Assistance 22 April: 4
*** Some humanitarian movements cover several days.
Command and Control

NATO’s operational commander for Operation Unified Protector is Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard of the Canadian Air Force. His office and staff is located at the Joint Force Command in Naples.

More information on Operation Unified Protector

www.jfcnaples.nato.int
www.manp.nato.int
www.nato.int/libya
Media Inquiries to:

NATO HQ Press Desk
+32 (0) 2 707 1010
+32 (0) 2707 1007
Mail to: moc@hq.nato.intl