Libya was a Russian client state so whatever surface to air they had in theater was most likely older Russian. We never lost anything when providing air cover to the rebels so I doubt the “big gun” is older Russian surface to air. I’m not not playing the threat these weapons could pose to civilian aircraft. I just don’t see the surface to air as being the reason so many CIA were in Libya.
What if some of our classified weapons are being smuggled to them under the pretense that it is just old outdated stuff?
I think this is something bigger than old out of date Russian weapons.
Otherwise, why the panic in DC?
Another interesting point touched on in an earlier post....
Why so much pressure on CIA agents to keep quiet?
I suspect because some CIA agents are so torn between following orders and their patriotism that they are seriously considering becoming whistle blowers and that scares obumbler.
You overlook the weapons we provided to the Libyan insurgents to help overthrow Qaddafi. They included modern MANPADS.