NATO destroys radar system at Tripoli civil airport

NATO said on July 18 that its fighter jets destroyed a radar system at Tripoli International Airport (Libya), claiming that the system was being used for military purposes by the regime of leader Muammar Gaddafi.

NATO said the air traffic control radar at the civilian airport tracked NATO aircraft and provided information to Libyan air defences. "The radar, previously used for civilian purposes, was used by Gaddafi forces to track NATO aircraft flying over Tripoli and to coordinate with the air defence early warning system," the statement said.

NATO, which has struck dozens of Libyan military radar sites over the past four months, said the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya meant Tripoli no longer needed to use its radar for civilian purposes.
Due to technical limitations, it is difficult to convert civilian radars for the purpose of attacking fighter aircraft like military radars, however, civilian radars can still monitor airspace and provide general information about the speed and altitude of intruding aircraft.

NATO has been repeatedly criticised over allegations that it exceeded the UN Security Council's mandate to carry out air strikes against Gaddafi's forces. The Security Council has imposed a blanket ban on flights and authorised the use of "all means" to prevent attacks on Libyan civilians./.

According to (Vietnam+)