Pentagon deploys fly-low attack aircraft against ground troops

U.S. top military brass decided to send AC-130 and A-10 planes to Libya.

The Lockheed AC-130 is a flying gunship used for close combat ground support. It is armed with 20, 40 and 105 mm canons (photo).

The Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II conducts close-range attacks, notably against tanks and armoured vehicles. It is equipped with a multi-barrelled 30mm cannon - which can fire a devastating almost 4,000 rounds a minute - plus different types of rockets and missiles.

These aircraft will allow strikes against the Libyan army and provide support to the rebels, all actions which are unrelated to the no-fly zone and Resolution 1973.