Libyan Warplane Shot Down as Gaddafi Violates No-Fly Zone

World | March 24, 2011, Thursday // 17:05|  views

Handout photo issued by the French Navy, showing aircraft preparation on board aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle on 23 March 2011. Photo by EPA/BGNES

French fighter jets have shot down a warplane sent by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi over the rebel-held city of Misrata, a senior French military official announced.

This is the first time that Gaddafi is challenging the no-fly zone, imposed by the Western coalition, ABC News reported on Thursday.

The plane that was launched by Gaddafi was a "galeb", a single-engine military aircraft.

According to Africa Command's General Carter Ham, forces supporting the Libyan leader are advancing in the northwest city of Misrata, dressed as civilians.

"Gaddafi is aware there will be a transfer of power from the United States in the coming days and the embattled leader seems to think he will wait it out until the United States no longer has command," Ham said.

The Tomahawk missile strikes have effectively degraded Libyan air defenses to the point that the coalition has not recorded any radar activity coming from Libya.

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Tags: Libya, French, misrata, no-fly zone, Muammar Gaddafi, Gaddafi

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