Libya Maritime Updates

Libya ops continue to provide an interesting spectrum of maritime issues for discussion.

Continued Sea Denial Threats
Although ineffective, these rocket attacks are something that shouldn't be ignored. Regime small boat infiltrations warrant concern too and reveal NATO ISR gaps.

Hundreds Lost at Sea
In what is undoubtably the most underreported and ignored story of this conflict, an estimated 1,500 migrants have perished at sea fleeing Libya since March. These refugees present a challenge to the limited coalition naval forces involved which have a myriad of other issues to worry about. But given that a much smaller number civilian deaths ashore was the impetus for the bombing campaign driving these refugees afloat, it would seem that NATO is failing short in its mandate to protect the lives of innocents. And where is the IO campaign (as was done in Haiti during the earthquakes last year) to prevent refugees from taking to sea?

Sea Shepherd Campaign Blue Rage 2011
SS mixes it up with French purse seiners off of Tripoli. The coordination with NATO appears to be going well -- no blue on greenie incidents, at least -- and the campaign will continue until the tuna season ends in mid-June.

Rotary Wing Attacks Continue
What’s interesting here is the use of a naval helo for targeting support on the Sunday Brega attacks. “Two Apaches, with a Sea King 7 helicopter providing intelligence, destroyed a multi-barrelled rocket launcher mounted on a truck and placed in an abandoned building.” Are HSC det helos not allowed to play?

The opinions and views expressed in this post are those of the author alone and are presented in his personal capacity. They do not necessarily represent the views of U.S. Department of Defense, the US Navy, or any other agency.