The background to UK military involvement in Libya
Over the weekend of 26 and 27 February 2011, at Britain's instigation, the UN Security Council agreed Resolution 1970.
• This condemned the actions of the Libyan authorities
• It imposed a travel ban and assets freeze on those at the top of Colonel Gaddafi's regime
• It demanded an end to the violence, access for international human rights monitors and the lifting of restrictions on the media; and
• It referred the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court so its leaders should face the justice they deserve.
UK armed forces assisted in the evacuation of more than 600 British Nationals, as well as entitled persons from many other countries.
As a result of the deteriorating situation and the Libyan authorities' failure to comply with UN Resolution 1970, on 18 March, Foreign Secretary William Hague announced that the UN Security Council had agreed Resolution 1973, authorising and setting the limits of member states' action against the Gaddafi regime.
RESOLUTION 1973:
• Calls for an immediate ceasefire
• Authorises all necessary measures to protect civilians but excludes a foreign occupation force in Libya
• Imposes a no fly zone, and
• Steps up a range of sanctions on Colonel Gaddafi's regime including stemming the flow of mercenaries, applying a broader asset freeze, measures to enforce the arms embargo and put in place further travel bans.
On Saturday 19 March 2011, British Armed Forces, authorised by the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, participated in a co-ordinated strike against Libyan Air Defence systems.
Prime Minister David Cameron made the following statement:
"Tonight, British forces are in action over Libya. They are part of an international coalition that has come together to enforce the will of the United Nations and to support the Libyan people.
"We have all seen the appalling brutality that Colonel Gaddafi has meted out against his own people. And far from introducing the ceasefire he spoke about, he has actually stepped up the attacks and the brutality that we can all see.
"So what we are doing is necessary, it is legal, and it is right.
"It is necessary because, with others, we should be trying to prevent him using his military against his own people.
"It is legal, because we have the backing of the United Nations Security Council and also of the Arab League and many others.
"And it is right because we believe we should not stand aside while this dictator murders his own people.
"Tonight, of course our thoughts should be with those in our armed services who are putting their lives at risk in order to save the lives of others. They are the bravest of the brave.
"But I believe we should all be confident that what we are doing is in a just cause and in our nation's interest."
Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said:
"We made clear that if Gaddafi did not comply with the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, it would be enforced through military action. Our Armed Forces have therefore participated in a co-ordinated international coalition strike against key military installations.
"We have launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles from a Trafalgar Class submarine and Stormshadow missiles from Tornado GR4s. The fast jets flew 3,000 miles from RAF Marham and back making this the longest range bombing mission conducted by the RAF since the Falklands conflict. This operation was supported by VC10 and Tristar air-to-air refuelling aircraft as well as E3D Sentry and Sentinel surveillance aircraft.
"HMS Westminster is off the coast of Libya and HMS Cumberland is in the region ready to support operations. Typhoon aircraft are also standing by to provide support.
"Our capable and adaptable Armed Forces are once again displaying their courage and professionalism. This action has provided a strong signal - the International community will not stand by while the Libyan people suffer under the Gaddafi regime."
The UK and its international partners are continuing operations in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
International partners
Alongside the UK, the nations currently providing military support to the joint operation to enforce the UN-backed no-fly zone over Libya, are:
Qatar, Norway and the Netherlands have deployed aircraft to the region, and these additional assets are expected to join the operation in due course.
The BBC News website has compiled a grid showing country-by-country involvement in the operation, including the key military hardware contributed. This can be found here.
The Ministry of Defence is unable to confirm the accuracy of information contained on unofficial websites.