US to send more drones to Libya
US set to send more armed Predator drones to Libya (AP)
The US military has sent two more armed Predator drones to the Libya conflict in response to requests from commanders seeking more intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Defence officials said the additional drones will give commanders more flexibility as well as the ability to have several unmanned aircraft in the air at one time to cover more ground.
President Barack Obama approved the use of armed drones in the Libya conflict in April. Since then, they have flown routine surveillance operations, but they can strike targets when needed.
The Pentagon said the US has flown nearly 1,200 strike operations over Libya, dropping bombs 242 times since April 1. There have been 92 Predator strikes since late April.
The US also operates unarmed drones for intelligence-gathering in the region.
Press Association
