In 2011, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) led a military campaign against the Libyan armed forces in response to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) deployed in support of the NATO operation.
Canadian fighter pilots supporting a ground attack mission aborted a proposed airstrike because they assessed the risk of incidental civilian harm to be too high. Their actions, which demonstrated respect for the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack, may have been influenced by military ethics as well as strategic and political interests, particularly the wish to maintain public support for the Canadian operation.
