Danish F-16s take to skies over Libya

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Fighter jets from the Danish Air Force were deployed Sunday night to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya, reports DR News, Denmark's national broadcaster.

According to the Tactical Air Command of the Danish Air Forces, three Danish fighter aircraft operated for three hours in connection with enforcing the no-fly zone.

Major Lars Cramer Larsen of the Danish Defence Academy told DR News that land-based targets may have been involved in Sunday night's action, but did not provide details.

"There could have been targets in connection with the bombing of, for example, air bases," Cramer said.

This is the second flight action by Danish fighter jets in enforcing the Libya no-fly zone. A statement released by the Danish Air Force on Sunday night said four F-16 fighter jets flew a 5-hour mission on Sunday afternoon, but gave no further details.

Major Cramer explained that Sunday night's action is part of an overall strategy of flying night missions so as to provide better cover for the aircraft.

"Gaddafi's forces have, among other things, hand-held and mobile rocket systems, which are a threat to pilots, especially when flying low," Cramer added.

Denmark has sent six F-16 fighter jets, as well as 132 support personnel as part of a UN mandated coalition force to establish a no-fly zone in the skies above Libya. They are based at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy, according to the Danish Air Force.

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