27 March,2011 07:13 AM IST | | IANS
French warplanes involved in the coalition operation from Friday to Saturday have destroyed several fighter jets and helicopters belonging to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's force, Xinhua reported the French general staff saying in a statement.
According to the statement, during the last 24-hour operation till Saturday, at least five Galeb fighters and two MI-35 helicopters were destroyed on the ground in the western city of Misrata and near Tripoli by the French air force.
The operation involved some 20 warplanes with the support of four refuelling aircraft and an Awacs plane and was conducted within the range of 1973 UN resolution, said the statement.
In addition, a detachment consisting of four Mirage 2000-5 fighters from the French and Qatari air forces carried out a surveillance mission over Libya Saturday, the statement added.
France increased its input into the coalition operation March 20 by sending its battle group based on Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. The battle group started its participation with a reconnaissance flight by a Rafale F3 March 22.
