Greece is most likely to make available the use of the military bases of Souda (Crete), Aktion (Preveza) and Andravida (Peloponnese) to some 70 fighter aircraft of coalition forces participating in the implementation of the UN imposed No Fly Zone over Libya. Requests for stationing and refuelling of air fighters have come from many countries. The airforce base ofSouda Bay is turning to a key key point for military forces against Libya.
According to the latest information:
– Two Mirage 2000 arrived from Qatar at Souda Bay, Crete, last evening; four more are expected today. The two Mirage made a Cyprus stopover for refuelling. According to Cyprus media, the refuelling was not planned and initially the authorities did not granted them landing permission. Only after the Mirage applied “emergency landing permission”, they were allowed to land at the old civic airport of Larnaka. The two Mirage 200 were on a scheduled flight from Qatar to Souda Bay and running out of fuel raised questions.
– Six F-16 from Norway stationed at Souda are on stand by to join Odyssey Dawn operation under USA Africa Command. The F-16 will be ready to join the operation in a few days. There is a 100 man strong support group.
– French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle with 14 Rafale is expected to enter Athens FIR, south off Crete at midnight.
-Greek Frigate Limnos will start at 7 pm local time enforcing the UN arms embargo in the sea area between Crete and Libya. The frigate with a radar helicopter will operate within the Athens FIR. Monitoring targets are vessels suspected of carrying arms and mercenaries to Libya.
Read our other Articles on Souda Bay military buildup
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