US Aircraft have been operating in the area for some time now, but, primarily in support of relief efforts.
U.S. Military Aircraft to Aid Egyptians Leaving Libya (click here)
By Karen ParrishAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2011 – President Barack Obama announced today he has approved the use of U.S. military aircraft to help Egyptians who have fled to the Tunisian border get back home to Egypt.
Speaking from the White House, Obama said the United States and the world continue “to be outraged by the appalling violence against the Libyan people.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has ordered U.S. Africa Command to take the lead for defense planning regarding the situation in Libya, according to a Pentagon statement. The DOD will continue to work in close coordination with the State Department and other agencies as needed.
Since Feb. 17, Libyan citizens have protested against Col. Moammar Gadhafi, who has ruled Libya since 1969. Gadhafi’s forces have since engaged in increasingly violent clashes with protesters throughout the country, while Libya’s military forces are divided between the two sides. An estimated 180,000 people have fled Libya, many gathering along the border with Tunisia.
“The United States is helping to lead an international effort to deter further violence, put in place unprecedented sanctions to hold the Gadhafi government accountable, and support the aspirations of the Libyan people,” Obama said.
The United States also is responding to the urgent humanitarian needs that are developing, he said....
BUT.
There is also this.
A Libyan Su-23
The aircraft in the picture at the New York Times could be this aircraft.
It doesn't appear to be to me.
This is what is available on the net.
Jan. 3, 2010
LIBYAN AIR ASSETS AND AIR DEFENSE (click here)
Main bases
Libya's air force is headquartered at Okba Ben Nafi Air Base (formerly Methega, and Wheelus AFB) located 7 miles due east of Tripoli. This is a well-equipped air base that has been developed with Russian assistance to support and maintain a full air force of over 200 combat aircraft. Another large air base is located at Benghazi and a third, Gamal Abdul Nasser Air Base, is situated a few miles southwest of Tobruk. Two other air bases are located near the Egyptian border -- at Al Kufrah Oasis and at Jabal al Uwaynat in the far south.
Air Defense
Libya deploys the SA-2, SA-3, and Crotale missiles. At least one battery of each of these types have been spotted at each of Libya's three main air bases (Okba Ben Nafi, Benghazi and Gamal Abdul Nassar). One battery of Crotale sites have been detected at each of the two smaller bases in the southeast. The Libyan Army also operates three SA-5 batteries which are currently at undisclosed locations (probably in storage.)
Aircraft
The Libyan air force is believed to consist of over 500 combat aircraft, with some reports suggesting the number is as high as 700. These aircraft include MiG-23s, MiG-25s, Su-24, Fencer 'D's, Su-27s and Mirage F.1EDs. At least one squadron of Tu-22 bombers are known to be located at Okba Ben Nafi AB....
Disarming a country doesn't come easy. It took a great deal of brevity to make the decision by NATO to go forward with stopping the assault against the Libyan people.
The Libyan forces and air defenses cannot hold out against NATO and the United Nations Security Council has agreed on its importance.
This is the initial staging of the initiative. No one said this was going to be easy. Those air defenses were mostly probably provided to facilitate the nuclear disarmament of Libya.
Gaddafi will throw everything he has to stop the No Fly Zone. He won't prevail.
