The Prime Minister was forced to intervene after Gen Sir David Richards
appeared to rule out targeting Col Gaddafi directly, a prospect that had
been floated publicly by the Defence and Foreign Secretaries.
The Chief of the Defence Staff said attacks on the Libyan leader were “not
allowed” under the United Nations resolution that authorised this week’s
military action. The Americans have also ruled out explicitly targeting the
Libyan dictator.
In an unusual sign of disagreement, Downing Street said that the general was
wrong and that attacks on Col Gaddafi could be legal if he was a threat to
civilians.
One senior source said the dispute could hamper the Government’s ability to
win public support for its Libya strategy. It also left a question mark over
Sir David’s
authority just as he is overseeing Britain’s operations in Libya.
The source said: “This is all very unhelpful and very unnecessary. Running
this thing and then selling it is hard enough, and a row between the
Government and its principal military adviser is about the last thing
anybody needs right now.”
The row threatened to overshadow the Prime Minister’s declaration that the
military mission against Libya had, so far, been a success.
The mission is poised to enter a new phase in the coming days as Americans
hand control of the operation to European nations.
Last night, there were reports that coalition missile strikes had once again
hit the dictator’s residence in Tripoli. A loud explosion was followed by a
heavy burst of anti-aircraft fire. Missiles also struck Sebha, a stronghold
of Gaddafi’s Guededfa tribe, and a naval base six miles east of Tripoli.
A Libyan government spokesman claimed that strikes had hit Sirte airport and
several ports, causing casualties.
Earlier, Mr Cameron said that Western forces had prevented a “bloody massacre”
in the coastal city of Benghazi and it was now up to the Libyan people to
determine their own future.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister acknowledged that there
was uncertainty over the next step in Libya. The Americans have admitted
that a stalemate could emerge in the North African country, which is
effectively split in half.
Mr Cameron said: “Tough action is needed now to ensure that people in Libya
can lead their lives without fear and with access to the basic needs of
life.
“But we already know, beyond any doubt, that we have succeeded in chasing
Gaddafi’s planes out of the sky, we have saved the lives of many Libyans,
and we have helped to prevent the destruction of a great and historic city.”
The number of air strikes against the regime dropped sharply after American
commanders indicated that Col Gaddafi’s air defences had been largely
destroyed. The dictator’s forces were reported to have withdrawn from the
rebel-held stronghold of Benghazi.
Although a limited number of air strikes will continue, the focus of the
operation will switch to patrolling Libyan airspace and monitoring any
movement of regime forces. Later in the week, the military is expected to
assist in humanitarian missions to help those in rebel-held areas.
A senior defence source said: “The first phase of the operation has been
successful. The mission is now primarily going to be a mix of patrolling and
a lot of reconnaissance work. There will be a humanitarian phase.” However,
there were growing doubts about the “endgame”, with some predicting a
stalemate that could see British forces involved for months.
Mr Cameron and President Barack Obama said yesterday that Col Gaddafi needed
to be removed from power.
But American officials said their mission was not to target Col Gaddafi and
they had little information as to his whereabouts.
In Britain, ministers were dragged into an increasingly acrimonious dispute
over whether the dictator could legally be a target.
The Whitehall spat unfolded after a British missile strike on the Libyan
dictator’s compound in Tripoli in the early hours of Monday.
Britain, the US, France and their allies are attacking Libyan targets under a
UN edict authorising the use of military force to prevent Gaddafi attacking
civilians.
William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, signalled that Gaddafi could be targeted
if he ordered attacks on civilians. “The things that are allowed depend on
how people behave. It depends on the circumstances,” Mr Hague told BBC Radio
Four.
But hours after Mr Hague spoke, the Chief of the Defence Staff was asked if
Britain was targeting the Libyan leader personally.
Sir David replied: “Absolutely not. It is not allowed under the UN resolution
and it is not something I want to discuss any further.”
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