Implementing UNSC Resolution 1973: A Military Perspective

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the military implications of UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which established a no-fly zone over Libya to protect civilians. The author argues that while the no-fly zone was relatively easy to implement, it is insufficient for achieving a ceasefire or regime change, and notes that European forces lacked the necessary support assets to maintain the operation without US involvement.

• UN Security Council Resolution 1973, adopted on 18 May, demands an immediate ceasefire and authorizes member states to use "all necessary" means to protect civilians and implement a "No-Fly Zone" over Libyan airspace.
• Enforcing a no-fly zone is a complex military task requiring reconnaissance, airborne early warning, electronic warfare, and airborne refueling to maintain 24-hour long-range operations, as well as the jamming of electronic communications and suppression of hostile air defenses.
• European forces lacked the support assets required to effectively enforce a 24-hour no-fly zone over Libya, which likely prompted the involvement of US forces to prevent the operation from failing or worsening the conflict.
• The no-fly zone has failed to force government forces from their positions because Resolution 1973 prohibits engaging military forces that do not pose a direct threat to coalition forces or civilians.
• While coalition leaders may seek the removal of Col Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, Resolution 1973 does not authorize this. Removing the regime would require providing military-based air support and the limited deployment of ground forces to assist rebel forces, who are currently uncoordinated and lightly armed.

APA

Kruger, A. (n.d.). Implementing UNSC Resolution 1973: A Military Perspective. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.org/iss-today/implementing-unsc-resolution-1973-a-military-perspective

Chicago

Kruger, Anton. Implementing UNSC Resolution 1973: A Military Perspective. Institute for Security Studies, n.d. https://issafrica.org/iss-today/implementing-unsc-resolution-1973-a-military-perspective.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kruger |first1=Anton |title=Implementing UNSC Resolution 1973: A Military Perspective |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |url=https://issafrica.org/iss-today/implementing-unsc-resolution-1973-a-military-perspective |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{krugerndimplementing, author = {Kruger, Anton}, title = {{Implementing UNSC Resolution 1973: A Military Perspective}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.org/iss-today/implementing-unsc-resolution-1973-a-military-perspective}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }