![]() ![]() The BBC reported a British RAF Hercules transport aircraft evacuating foreign nationals came under small arms fire but was not seriously damaged. Most analysts believe Libya’s armed forces would not be able to seriously threaten outside air forces attempting to enforce a no-fly zone, saying Gaddafi’s defence capabilities probably lag behind those of Iraq’s Saddam Hussein before the US-led 2003 invasion. There are also Air Defence Command forces which possess at least 216 surface-to-air missiles and 144 towed and 72 self propelled missiles.Īgain, maintenance may be an issue. ![]() Repeated reports from witnesses, rights groups and others talk of African mercenaries flown in by Gaddafi to help put down the revolt. ![]() The most reliable formation is seen to be the 32nd Brigade commanded by Gaddafi’s son Khamis. That leaves him with what most estimate to be some 10-12,000 loyal Libyan troops. Much of the equipment is seen as poorly maintained or unusable, leaving it hard to estimate genuine numbers.Īnalysts say Gaddafi tried to emasculate the regular army to avoid the emergence of commanders who might rival his immediate family, relying instead particularly on three loyal “regime protection” units often of his own tribe. GROUND FORCES - REALITY:Įven before the uprising, Libya’s military strength was seen as having been seriously undermined by sanctions and neglect although Western powers had just began to sell it weapons again. Artillery pieces 2,421 (including 444 self-propelled, 647 towed).Īir Defence surface-to-air missiles - at least 424. ![]()
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