U.S. Troops already on the ground in Libya

According to a Pakistan Observer article, (the only English Newspaper in the country) “ The United States, Britain and France have sent several hundred defense advisors to train and support the anti-Gadhafi forces in oil-rich Eastern Libya where armed rebel groups have apparently taken over.”

Although the troops are classified as “advisers” they have brought not only fighting know-how but several caches of weapons and all the necessary provisions for a prolonged stay in the region, as well. Although not stated specifically what weapons the special forces operatives have brought with them, it is reported that a Libyan official has said “the three Western states have landed their special forces troops in Cyrenaica and are now setting up their bases, and training centers.” This is to reinforce the rebel forces that are resisting pro-Gadhafi forces in several adjoining areas.

According to the article the initial task at hand is to “neutralize” the Libyan Air force, this effort would be in an attempt to “limit Gadhafi’s rule in Tripoli if not fully uprooted from the country”.

A Pakistani Defense website said three war ships from the Indian Navy have arrived in the region with the mission to evacuate Indian Nationals from Libya. The ships are capable of holding 800-1000 people each. However, there are about 18,000 Indians living in Libya, mainly in capital Tripoli and Benghazi. Therefore, the purpose of sending war ships that would only have the capability to evacuate 3000 Indian nationals is not being commented on. Indian foreign minister S M Krishna is quoted as saying all Indian nationals were safe "as of now".

Gadhafi has been defiant in his assertion to his supporters that they will be triumphant. In a statement to supporters in Tripoli’s Green Square he vowed he would open Libya’s arsenals of guns to the tribes in order to protect the Libyan nation and its petroleum interests.