DTN News - LIBYA NO-FLY ZONE: Qatar Fighter Jet On Duty Over Libya....NSI News Source Info # 1746

DTN News - LIBYA NO-FLY ZONE: Qatar Fighter Jet On Duty Over Libya....NSI News Source Info # 1746

**Qatar fighter jet flies mission over Libya, first Arab nation to join no-fly zone against Khadafy

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources BY Larry Mcshane DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 26, 2011:

A

Qatar fighter pilot, in a strong and symbolic show of military support, became the first from any Arab nation to fly a combat mission over Libya Friday.

The Qatari Air Force Mirage 2000 was joined by a French fighter jet when heading out on its first patrol.

"Qatar has been a great ally since day one," said Mustafa Gheriani, spokesman for the opposition Benghazi city council. "It's an Arab country to be proud of."

Qatar has pledged six Mirages and two C-17s transports in the Libyan operation. Officials did not release any details of the Qatar pilot's role in his debut coalition flight.

"Having our first Arab nation join and start flying with us emphasizes that the world wants the innocent Libyan people protected from the atrocities perpetrated by the pro-regime forces," said U.S. Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/dtn-news-libya-no-fly-zone-qatar.html