Although Malta is not serving as a military base to enforce the UN resolution against the Libyan regime, it is providing its harbour as a safe haven for ships on the way back home from their mission in North Africa.
The HMS Westminster left Malta yesterday after stocking up for its long journey back to the UK, having been at sea off the coast of Libya for more than a month.
“The HMS Westminster, like many of the warships from a number of nations in the Gulf of Sirte, was very much the muscle to back up the words of the UN Security Council resolution,” ship captain Commander Tim Green said.
Following a two-and-a-half week humanitarian mission, the 200-man crew were ordered to enforce the resolution. In other words, ensure the Gaddafi regime’s air force stayed on the ground and naval units stayed in their ports.
“I have the capability to shoot down aircraft and sink ships. So any of those aircraft or ships from the Gaddafi regime, if they were at sea and were threatening or harming the civilian population, I had the rules of engagement along with all the other units operating under the Security Council resolution to close in, engage them and destroy them,” Cdr Green said.
However, as soon as the resolution came into force, the dictator’s aircraft and ships did not operate and the situation outside Libya remained calm, he continued.
“They knew that if they were to step outside there would be forces that would deal with them,” the captain said.
Asked for an assessment of how long the crisis would go on for, Cdr Green said the destiny of Libya rested firmly in the hands of its people. “It’s their decision. What the UN is doing is protecting the people. How long it will take, I wouldn’t be in a position to say.”
The Type 23 frigate was performing ceremonial duties in London before being called quickly to contribute to the navy’s mission in Libya.
The ship’s sophisticated surveillance technology, including advanced submarine sonar technology, meant the frigate was able to make a significant contribution to Operation Ellamy.
The British warship spent four days in harbour. The HMS Cumberland, which has also been to Malta over the past few weeks on humanitarian missions, will remain off Libya to support the mission while another ship is en route to relieve it in the next few weeks, the captain said.