British Armed Forces Launch Strike Against Libyan Air Defence Systems

March 21, 2011

British Armed Forces have participated in another co-ordinated strike against Libyan Air Defence systems tonight, Sunday 20 March 2011.

The Chief of Defence Staff’s Strategic Communications Officer Major General John Lorimer said:

“I can confirm that British Armed Forces have participated in another co-ordinated strike against Libyan Air Defence systems.”

For a second time, the UK has launched guided Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) from a Trafalgar Class submarine in the Mediterranean as part of a coordinated coalition plan to enforce the resolution.

“We and our international partners are continuing operations in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.”

UPDATE

Speaking on Monday (21 March) morning about last night’s mission, General Lorimer added:

“As the RAF GR4 Tornados moved into the area, further information came to light that identified a number of civilians within the intended target area. As a result the decision was taken not to launch weapons. This decision underlines the UK’s commitment to the protection of civilians.”

It has also now been confirmed a number of Typhoon aircraft have now landed safely at the Gioia Dell Colle airbase in Southern Italy, where they are on standby for future tasking.

RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus continues to support the operation under UN Security Council Resolution 1973 with a number of assets, including E3D Sentry, VC-10 and Sentinel.

(mod)

[mappress]

Source: mod,March 21, 2011; image: