France is deploying attack helicopters in Libya, the first to be used in the allied offensive against forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, French media reported today.

Twelve helicopters were shipped out to Libya on French battleship Tonnerre on May 17, Le Figaro newspaper reported, in a bid to step up strikes against pro-Gaddafi forces and end a stalemate in the fighting.

"Using helicopters from the Tonnerre is a way of getting closer to the ground," the newspaper cited a source close to the matter as saying.

 

Source: Reuters