Though having completed its Libya mission, Us is in no hurry to withdraw missile ships

PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite the fact that the U.S. stopped its immediate participation in Libya's military operation, with the UK, France and other NATO states responcible for comletion of the mission, Americans are in no hurry to withdraw their missile ships in case other NATO forces need support.

The United States will begin withdrawing its combat jets, missile ships and submarines from the operation to secure the no-fly zone over Libya, as the conflict appears to be descending into a stalemate between the two opposing sides. The move, announced by senior US military officials, comes amid increasing vocal scepticism from members of President Barack Obama's administration over the capability and representative nature of the Libyan opposition.

Among the US planes being withdrawn are the A-10 Thunderbolt and AC-130 ground attack aircraft, which have been used to devastating effect against Muammar Gaddafi's armour. The number of US navy ships involved in the campaign had already shrunk to nine, compared with 11 at the start of the operation, and it is likely to shrink further in the days ahead.

The US had committed 90 aircraft to the Libyan missions. Their withdrawal will leave coalition forces with 143 aircraft, including 17 British aircraft and 33 French. The move comes amid signs of sharp differences over tactics in the coalition, with France still understood to be pushing for an escalation in intervention.

The past few days have already witnessed a reduction in the number of US combat missions. The announced withdrawal follows the transfer of command from the US to Nato, guardian.co.uk reported.