Six Dutch F-16s are leaving Leeuwarden air force base on Thursday afternoon and flying to Decimomanu in Sardinia to monitor the arms embargo against Libya.

A spokesman for the Defence Ministry says they will carry out surveillance, gather intelligence and keep track of air traffic heading towards Libya. "They will not be used to challenge ground targets or targets at sea."

A refuelling plane will assist the F-16s and the minesweeper HNLMS Haarlem will also be deployed to monitor the embargo.

The F-16s and the minesweeper are being deployed for three months. The refuelling plane is only available until 4 April.

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