Canadian general to lead NATO operations in Libya

Charles Bouchard is currently based at Allied Joint Force Command in Naples.

Ottawa: Canadian Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard is to head NATO`s military campaign in Libya, Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced on Friday.

"As open sources are now reporting, we expect NATO to announce Canadian Lieutenant General Charlie Bouchard to lead the NATO military campaign."

"I know Charlie is a formidable leader and I have faith in his experience and abilities," he added.

The general, who is currently based at the Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy and involved in operations in Iraq, is to lead the alliance`s enforcement of a UN-mandated no-fly zone and help protect civilians in Libya.

He was previously deputy commander of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).

Bureau Report