Complete coverage of CNN 's Fact Checks . President Obama says Libya operation cost less than two weeks of war in Iraq . The president said the U.S. mission was to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian crisis from spreading across North Africa. In 2008 , Pentagon 's obligations in Iraq reached average of $ 5.12 billion every two weeks . Pentagon , CRS say cost of U.S. portion of 2011 military operation in Libya was more than $ 1.6 billion .
President Obama says Libya operation cost less than two weeks of war in Iraq . The president said the U.S. mission was to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian crisis from spreading across North Africa. In 2008 , Pentagon 's obligations in Iraq reached average of $ 5.12 billion every two weeks . Pentagon , CRS say cost of U.S. portion of 2011 military operation in Libya was more than $ 1.6 billion .