Hague Meets Libyan Rebel Leaders In Benghazi

Foreign Secretary William Hague has visited rebel leaders in Benghazi - after UK Apache helicopters destroyed a radar installation and military checkpoint during their first operation in Libya.

Mr Hague and the Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell, flew to Libya's rebel stronghold for talks with opposition figures.

They held discussions with the chairman of the interim National Transitional Council, Abdul Jalil, about his "political roadmap".

The Council is recognised by the UK as the legitimate post-Gaddafi government and has been given significant non-military assistance by the British Government.

Mr Hague said: "We are here today for one principal reason - to show our support for the Libyan people and for the National Transitional Council, the legitimate representative of the Libyan people.

"Britain remains a strong and true friend of Libya . We could not and did not turn a blind eye when Gaddafi turned his forces against innocent civilians."

Renewing calls on Col Gaddafi to go, Mr Hague said the dictator was "isolated internationally and domestically" and "continues to abuse human rights without mercy or compunction".

Sky's political correspondent Glen Oglaza, who was travelling with the Foriegn Secretary, said: "Mr Hague wanted to send a very strong signal of support for the people of Benghazi.

"It was their defiance and resistance that prompted Nato to act, to avert a potential massacre when they were threatened by Gaddafi's forces.

"Mr Hague wanted to go to show his support, listen to what people had to say, and ask about how to respond when Gaddafi goes and once Nato's objective has been achieved.

"He told me he found people much more optimistic than he was expecting."

The MoD confirmed that army Apaches successfully completed their mission of hitting their targets near Brega overnight.

Forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi fired at one of the choppers, but they both returned safely to the Royal Navy helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, which is stationed off the Libyan coast.

A variety of weapons were used, including hellfire missiles.

Major General Nick Pope, the communications officer for the Chief of the Defence Staff, emphasised that UK and Nato forces have been clear their mission was to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack.

He described it as "appropriate to employ attack helicopters to help intensify the effect that Nato can deliver at key points against regime forces which continue to threaten their own people".

Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard, Nato's commander of the operation in Libya, said: "This successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters.

"We will continue to use these assets whenever and wherever needed, using the same precision as we do in all of our missions."

The attack helicopters have been brought in because they provide more flexibility to track and engage pro-Gaddafi forces who deliberately target civilians and attempt to hide in populated areas.

Commander of the UK task group, Commodore John Kingwell, said the attack helicopters are unique because they can "identify and engage targets with huge precision".

"That enables us to provide protection to civilians in Libya," he added.

Meanwhile, Sky correspondent Lisa Holland, reporting from Tripoli under the supervision of the Libyan authorities, said she heard 11 explosions in the capital early this evening.

"We counted seven explosions in the first instance. Half an hour after that there were a further four explosions in quick succession.

"I can only speculate but the sense is that Nato forces will be going for military targets.

"They will also be attempting to push Gaddafi's forces back towards Tripoli, potentially to try to open up a path for the rebels from the east to push up to the capital."

In an attempt to "ratchet up" the pressure on Col Gaddafi, Prime Minister David Cameron announced last month that four Apaches would be deployed.

Twelve French attack helicopters are also being used in Libya.

Earlier this week, Defence Secretary Liam Fox acknowledged the "increased risk" attached to the deployment of attack helicopters.

But he stressed they would play a key role in bringing a halt to the dictator's attacks on his own people.

The use of Apaches has alarmed some MPs about the prospect of an escalation in the conflict and the danger to British lives.