Spain withdraws F-18 planes from NATO Libya mission

Spain withdraws F-18 planes from NATO Libya mission

Spain says it will withdraw the four F-18 aircraft deployed as part of its contribution to the NATO operation over Libya now that the governing National Transitional Council (NTC) controls most of the country.

The Spain Defence Minister, Carme Chacon, on Wednesday at Spain’s National Day said that Spain sent the four fighter jets to the Italian air base of Decimomannu on the island of Sardinia in March.

Chacon said that the decision to withdraw the F-18 planes had been agreed with the leaders of the NATO mission in Libya. “It was based on the fact that airports which were closed there are now operational and the number of civilian flights are increasing,” he said.

The F-18 aircraft will return to Spain on Saturday but will be ready to leave again should there be a need for them to rejoin the NATO effort.

Two refuelling planes, a frigate and a sea patrol plane will remain as part of Spain's contribution, she said.

REUTERS/Williams