The USA has started sending over 4,000 sailors and marines to support the Odyssey Dawn operation in Libya, DVIDS cites the military command as saying.
Marines from the Bataan group and the 22nd formation of the US Marine Corps are being sent from Norfolk and Little Creek, state Virginia, via an unknown number of vessels.
Captain Steven Yoder, Commander of the Airborne Group, said that the troops are being deployed urgently.
Libya has been hit by protests since mid-February. People are protesting against Muammar Gaddafi, who has been in power for over 40 years. International organizations report that thousands have died in clashes with the state forces.
The UN SC passed a resolution on March 17, introducing a no-fly zone and the possibility of a foreign military operation against Gaddafi. The operation was codenamed Odyssey Dawn. The operation started on March 19. 13 countries are taking part, including the UK, France, USA. Libyan authorities say that dozens of peaceful citizens have died in coalition bombings. The coalition denies the fact.
The Pentagon received reports on Wednesday that the international coalition has carried out over 300 flights in Libya in 5 days. Over 160 Tomahawk cruise missiles were used.
