Denmark Admits Role in 2011 Libya NATO Strikes That Killed 14 Civilians
The Facts
Following an investigation by The Guardian, Danish news site Altinget, and civilian casualty watchdog Airwars, Denmark has announced a probe into its Air Force's potential connection to NATO airstrikes on Libya in 2011 that caused the death of 14 civilians.
In June 2011, 12 civilians — including five children — were killed during an airstrike on the city of Surman; in September of the same year, a strike in Sirte killed a man and a pregnant woman. The strikes were part of a six-month-long, 10-country NATO mission called Operation Unified Protector.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Denmark's long-kept secret has kept the families of those who lost loved ones waiting over a decade for answers. Without any nation taking responsibility for its actions, Libya has been left in the dark about who killed innocent civilians. Countries and international organizations such as NATO are not immune to the law and must become more transparent and provide greater accountability for their behavior.
Pro-establishment narrative
Although NATO operations in countries such as Libya and Syria were certainly controversial, the organization, now more than ever, remains a necessary tool for maintaining world peace. In the face of challenges to the West and the liberal international order from the likes of Russia and China, now is not the time to tear down this global defender of freedom — it's time to rebuild and maintain its presence and strength.
