Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Libya has unveiled its Air Force in strikes on militias.

Officials said Libya deployed its Air Force in attacks on rebel militias in the southern portion of the North African state.

The officials said the Soviet-supplied Air Force sent both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft in the first such campaign since the overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

“A force was readied, then aircraft moved and took off and dealt with the targets,” Libyan Defense Ministry spokesman Abdul Raziq Al Shabahi said.

In a briefing on Jan. 18, Al Shabahi did not identify the aircraft. The spokesman said the air strikes enabled army units to regain control over the Tamahind Air Force base captured by militias earlier in the day.

The Libyan Air Force has sought to modernize its aircraft. Officials said the Defense Ministry has been negotiating with several NATO states, including Italy and France, for the modernization of Mirage F-1 fleet.

Officials said the Libyan military and security forces have been placed
on maximum alert. They said the defense minister has overseen the campaign
against the militias from the central coastal city of Misrata.

“The troops from Misrata have been commissioned by the government to
conduct a national task to spread security and stability in the region,”
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said.

  Abdul Raziq Al Shabahi, Ali Zeidan, Libya unleashes its air force for first time since Gadhafi’s exit, Mirage F-1, Misrata