Shocka: Libyan rebels admit al-Qaeda connection, steal SAM's
This shouldn't surprise anyone. At least some of the Libyan rebels are connected to al-Qaeda. And they've managed to use the current battles to equip themselves with surface-to-air missiles (Hat Tip: Gates of Vienna). AL-QAEDA'S offshoot in North Africa has snatched surface-to-air missiles from an arsenal in Libya during the civil strife there, Chad's President says.So the US, Britain and France are supporting a war that will give al-Qaeda another foothold in North Africa and arm them to boot. But don't worry: The Libyan rebels have already asked France to leave.
Idriss Deby Itno did not say how many surface-to-air missiles were stolen, but told the African weekly Jeune Afrique that he was "100 per cent sure" of his assertion.
"The Islamists of al-Qaeda took advantage of the pillaging of arsenals in the rebel zone to acquire arms, including surface-to-air missiles, which were then smuggled into their sanctuaries in Tenere," a desert region of the Sahara that stretches from northeast Niger to western Chad, Deby said in the interview.
"This is very serious. AQIM is becoming a genuine army, the best equipped in the region," he said.
His claim was echoed by officials in other countries in the region who said that they were worried that al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) might have acquired "heavy weapons", thanks to the insurrection.
...
Elsewhere in the interview, Chad's president backed the assertion by his neighbour and erstwhile enemy Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi that the protests in Libya have been driven in part by al-Qaeda.
"There is a partial truth in what he says," Deby said.
"Up to what point? I don't know. But I am certain that AQIM took an active part in the uprising."
...
The Chadian leader described the international military intervention in Libya, launched a week ago by the United States, France and Britain, as a "hasty decision".
"It could have heavy consequences for the stability of the region and the spread of terrorism in Europe, the Mediterranean and the rest of Africa," he cautioned.
What could go wrong?
Labels: al-Qaeda, Libyan regime change, surface-to-air missiles
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:07 PM
2 Comments:
I'd love to know why the US, the UK and France think its a legitimate Western objective to give Al Qaeda a beachhead on the southern Mediterranean.
If any one can explain the rationale behind this war, I'd like to hear it. So far I haven't heard a good justification for it.
What could go wrong indeed
I'm an American.
I am appalled at our actions in Libya, and our support for one side, of what is obviously two terroist organizations fighting it out.
If Gadhafi forces and al-Qaeda want shoot it out, I say - let them.
If the US wants to protect innocent civilians - we should be bombing Hamas.
Post a Comment
<< Home