Libya: Operations Updates

18 October 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft yesterday conducted a successful strike on former regime troops in Libya as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

Last night, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s, whilst mounting a routine armed reconnaissance patrol over Libya, were tasked to investigate a large group of vehicles sighted by another NATO reconnaissance mission south east of Bani Walid. The nine vehicles, some heavily armed, were identified as belonging to Colonel Gaddafi's remnant forces, and the GR4s, in conjunction with a second formation of allied aircraft, successfully engaged them with Paveway precision guided bombs.

15 October 2011

Royal Navy ships maintained patrols off the Libyan coast as Royal Air Force aircraft conducted overwatch operations on Friday as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

HMS Bangor remains on patrol off the port of Misurata, as she and other NATO warships help ensure the safe passage of shipping. In the air, NATO patrols are primarily focused over Bani Walid, where Colonel Gaddafi's troops hold the town in some strength and pose a continuing threat to the long-suffering population. On Friday morning, one of these armed reconnaissance patrols, comprising RAF Tornado GR4s, identified an armed truck near Bani Walid, in use by Gaddafi's men. A Brimstone missile, employing laser and radar guidance, destroyed the vehicle with a direct hit.

14 October 2011

Royal Navy ships and Royal Air Force aircraft continued operations on Thursday to help safeguard the Libyan people as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

NATO continues to sustain intensive overwatch missions around Sirte and Bani Walid. Yesterday afternoon, an armed reconnaissance patrol of RAF Tornado GR4s was alerted by another NATO surveillance platform to the presence of three former regime armed trucks hidden beneath trees to the east of Bani Walid. The vehicles were successfully engaged by our aircraft, using Paveway guided bombs, and destroyed.

At sea, HMS Bangor is currently conducting maritime security patrols off Misurata, helping maintain confidence in the safe movement of merchant vessels to and from Libya's ports as the new authorities work hard at restoring normal commercial operations. With her advanced minehunting equipment, Bangor is very well suited to identifying and neutralising any legacy threats from Colonel Gaddafi's regime, such as the abandoned mine and torpedo which she located and destroyed on the seabed off Tobruk earlier this month.

13 October 2011

British aircraft were again in action over Libya yesterday as part of NATO's mission to enforce UNSCR 1973.

Royal Air Force aircraft formed part of NATO's continuous armed reconnaissance presence over the disputed cities of Sirte and Bani Walid, and during the course of Wednesday afternoon, our aircraft succeeded in identifying a pick-up truck, armed with an anti-aircraft artillery piece, in use by Colonel Gaddafi's remaining troops in Bani Walid. A Brimstone missile, launched from a Tornado GR4, scored a direct hit on the vehicle and left it ablaze. Three hours later, a similar patrol over Sirte was tasked to engage a second such armed vehicle which a NATO surveillance asset had spotted. Once again, a direct hit from a Brimstone missile destroyed the vehicle outright.

11 October 2011

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force continued yesterday their operations under NATO's UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

While HMS Liverpool and other NATO warships maintained their patrols off the Libyan coast, allied aircraft conducted repeated reconnaissance sorties over Sirte and Bani Walid. In the early hours of Monday morning, two formations of RAF Tornado GR4s mounted a strike on a missile depot still held by Colonel Gaddafi's forces near Bani Walid. Our aircraft dropped seven Paveway laser and GPS guided bombs, scoring direct hits which inflicted very severe damage on the facility.

10 October 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft have struck further targets in Sirte and Bani Walid as NATO continues operations to enforce UNSCR 1973.

NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR has maintained a continual air presence in recent days over those areas of Libya where conflict continues, particularly Bani Walid and Sirte, with Royal Air Force aircraft continuing to make a significant contribution. On Thursday evening, an armed reconnaissance patrol of Tornado GR4s identified one of Colonel Gaddafi's main battle tanks near Bani Walid, and destroyed the vehicle with a Brimstone precision guided missile. During the course of Friday afternoon, two formations of RAF Tornados conducted strikes against a firing position and supply point which had been located by NATO surveillance analysis within the area of Sirte. Eight Paveway guided bombs were successfully dropped by our aircraft on the target.

RAF jets were again tasked by NATO to conduct a precision strike on a vehicle supply point in Sirte on Saturday, and struck their target accurately with four Paveway guided bombs. Our aircraft also continued to play an active part in the patrols over Bani Walid, and on Sunday morning they spotted two armed pick-up trucks being used by former regime forces to fire on a civilian compound. Brimstone missiles were able to destroy both vehicles without risking collateral damage to surrounding property. A follow-up patrol later in the day located a third armed truck in the vicinity of Bani Walid and destroyed it with a Paveway bomb.

Royal Navy ships meanwhile maintain their patrols off the Libyan coast, with HMS Liverpool providing security and reassurance to merchant shipping as the ports and harbours liberated by the new Libyan authorities seek to return to normal operation.

6 October 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft yesterday struck Colonel Gaddafi's forces in Bani Walid.

NATO aircraft remained vigilant over the two primary pockets where Gaddafi's troops continue to pose a threat to their fellow Libyans, around Sirte and Bani Walid, as Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR continued. At Bani Walid, reconnaissance succeeded in identifying two command and control locations being used by the former regime's forces.

During the course of Wednesday morning, RAF Tornado GR4s were therefore tasked to attack both targets. The strikes, which employed 500lb (227kg) and 1,000lb (454kg) Paveway laser and GPS guided bombs, proved successful, inflicting severe damage.

4 October 2011

Royal Navy ships and Royal Air Force aircraft have made further contributions to NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, removing past and present threats from Colonel Gaddafi's former regime.

In recent days, the mine-hunter HMS Bangor has conducted exhaustive surveys of harbours in eastern Libya, helping to ensure that the waters are safe for merchant shipping, since there remains a residual threat from mines and other unexploded ordnance left behind as a legacy from the former regime. In the course of this work, her advanced sonar successfully detected both a large 2,000lb (907kg) mine and a torpedo, heavily corroded and lying on the seabed off the port of Tobruk. Bangor was able to destroy safely both of the weapons using demolition charges dropped in place by her Seafox remotely controlled underwater submersible, working at a depth of 475 feet (145m) in the case of the mine.

Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force has continued to participate in NATO's intensive armed patrols over Sirte, and on Sunday afternoon our aircraft identified one of Colonel Gaddafi's multiple rocket launchers. The threat the vehicle posed was swiftly removed by a direct hit from a Brimstone missile.

2 October 2011

British aircraft were again in action over Libya yesterday as part of NATO's mission to enforce UNSCR 1973.

Allied reconnaissance operations had been able to identify within Sirte a supply base for some of Colonel Gaddafi's anti-aircraft artillery weapons, so often used by his troops against civilian areas during the conflict.

A formation of Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s was tasked with the destruction of the position on Saturday afternoon, and four Paveway precision guided bombs were successfully dropped on target. Later that evening, another formation of GR4s, conducting an armed reconnaissance patrol over Sirte, sighted an armed pick-up truck being used by former regime forces; our aircraft destroyed the vehicle with a direct hit from a Brimstone missile.

30 September 2011

RAF aircraft have again been in action against Colonel Gaddafi's forces who continue to operate indiscriminately in Sirte and Bani Walid.

NATO maintained a constant aerial presence over both towns during Thursday, and during the morning a formation of Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s were tasked with a strike on a staging post and ammunition store being used by Gaddafi's remaining tanks and armed vehicles in Sirte. Severe damage was inflicted on a number of targets at the location. An armed reconnaissance patrol over Bani Walid meanwhile destroyed with four Paveway guided bombs ammunition stores which had been successfully located by NATO surveillance operations. In the course of the afternoon, one of our flights inflicted further destruction on ammunition stockpiles in Bani Walid, then proceeded east to Sirte where it joined another RAF patrol in a precision strike on another supply point being used by former regime tanks and rocket launchers.

29 September 2011

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force continued yesterday their operations under NATO's UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

In the early hours of the morning, RAF Tornado GR4s once again struck military targets at a large ammunition and vehicle storage depot which has been supporting Colonel Gaddafi's troops within Sirte. NATO maintained a constant presence over the city throughout Wednesday, and in the course of these patrols, RAF aircraft conducted further precision strikes on a group of buildings which had been identified as a headquarters and staging post for former regime forces, and on two firing positions. 500lb and 1,000lb Paveway bombs employing laser and GPS guidance successfully destroyed each of these targets.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Rosalie, which has provided logistic support to the Royal Navy patrols off Libya, completed the replenishment at sea of HMS Liverpool, and is now on passage back to the UK.

28 September 2011

RAF aircraft have again been in action over Libya, operating under the authority of NATO's UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

Royal Air Force and other NATO aircraft were very active over Sirte yesterday, and our Tornado GR4s twice conducted precision strikes on a large ammunition and vehicle storage depot which has been serving as one of the main bases for Colonel Gaddafi's garrison within the city. A total of six laser- and GPS-guided Paveway bombs were dropped, scoring direct hits which destroyed multiple military facilities within the depot, including storage bunkers. As ever, these and other allied combat missions were well supported by NATO's large fleet of surveillance platforms and tankers, including RAF VC10, Sentry and Sentinel aircraft.

At sea, Royal Navy vessels have maintained their patrols off the Libyan coast, with HMS Bangor providing security to merchant shipping by conducting precautionary mine counter-measure surveys to ensure there is no residual mine threat from the conflict.

27 September 2011

British aircraft have struck targets in Sirte and Bani Walid, as NATO maintains Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UNSCR 1973.

NATO maintained an intensive air presence over both Sirte and Bani Walid on Monday, and in both locations Royal Air Force aircraft saw action against former regime forces. In Sirte, a formation of Tornado GR4s attacked ammunition stores, destroying their targets with Paveway guided bombs. To the west, at Bani Walid, NATO reconnaissance had identified a psychological warfare centre and a firing position used by those of Gaddafi's troops who continue to dominate areas of the town. These were also subjected to precision strikes by GR4s.

26 September 2011

Operations continue over Libya, under the aegis of NATO's UNIFIED PROTECTOR, with Royal Air Force aircraft repeatedly striking Colonel Gaddafi's forces in Sirte.

Following a series of successful missions on Friday and Saturday against former regime forces in and around the city, NATO taskings saw the RAF continue to focus its efforts on Sirte for the rest of the weekend. Overnight Saturday into Sunday, our aircraft struck a command and control installation, a psychological warfare centre, three firing points and staging posts, and an armed vehicle. Paveway and Brimstone precision guided weapons were used; in one case, an inert Paveway bomb, with concrete replacing the high explosive charge, was successfully used to destroy one particular target without risking collateral damage. On Sunday afternoon, a further staging post, known from NATO surveillance analysis to be used by mercenary forces, was attacked by a formation of Tornado GR4s.

Given the current situation in Libya, NATO has agreed with the UK that HMS Ocean and her helicopter detachment can be released from Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR. The vessel is offloading equipment in Souda Bay and in due course will proceed through the Suez Canal en route to the Red Sea.

Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed some 1,000 former regime targets that presented a threat to the Libyan people.

25 September 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft, operating under the auspices of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, have again taken effective action in recent days against former regime troops fighting in the Libyan city of Sirte.

Early on Friday morning, RAF Tornado GR4s were tasked by NATO to neutralise the threat posed by a large barracks and ammunition facility, which was playing a key role in sustaining those forces who continue to serve Colonel Gaddafi in Sirte. Sixteen GPS guided Paveway bombs were used to engage multiple targets within the location.

On Saturday morning, a formation of Tornados conducted a precision strike on a radar installation and bunkers at a large military base in Sirte, destroying their targets with direct hits from Paveways. An armed reconnaissance patrol successfully engaged heavy weapon positions in the same area, while a third formation later in the day also inflicted damage on an ammunition storage facility.

Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed some 990 former regime targets that presented a threat to the Libyan people.

22 September 2011

British forces were again in action yesterday over Libya, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, an RAF armed reconnaissance patrol of Tornado and Typhoon aircraft were tasked by NATO to strike two command and control facilities which had been identified in Sirte. Our aircraft used 1,000lb and 500lb laser and GPS guided Paveway bombs to engage both targets successfully.

At sea, Royal Navy vessels, including the destroyer HMS Liverpool, remain on patrol off Libya, ensuring the safety of shipping and providing an invaluable surveillance capability along the coast.

21 September 2011

British forces were again in action yesterday over Libya, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

Early on Tuesday morning, a Royal Air Force armed reconnaissance patrol carried out successful attacks on Gaddafi's troops in three different locations across western and central Libya. At Bani Walid, they destroyed a command and control facility which had been identified by NATO surveillance operations, then proceeded south east to the area of Hun, over 200 miles away, and demolished a second such headquarters, again using Paveway guided bombs. The Tornado GR4s next headed some 160 miles north to prosecute a third target, this time in Sirte: a former school which had been commandeered by Gaddafi's men as a base for armoured vehicles and anti-aircraft artillery. Paveway bombs destroyed the military targets at the site.

During the afternoon, another formation of RAF Tornados was tasked by NATO to mount a precision strike on a military vehicle depot which had been identified near Hun. This proved another successful mission, their Paveways destroying the installation with a number of direct hits.

Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed more than 970 former regime targets that presented a threat to the Libyan people.

19 September 2011

RAF aircraft successfully engaged Colonel Gaddafi's troops on Sunday as part of NATO's unrelenting efforts to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

NATO maintained regular reconnaissance missions over those areas where Gaddafi's remaining troops continue to dominate the civilian population, and during the early evening, a Royal Air Force patrol of Tornado and Typhoon aircraft identified hostile vehicles near Waddan. A multiple rocket launcher and an armed pick-up truck were destroyed by our aircraft using Paveway laser and GPS guided bombs. Also during the evening, another armed reconnaissance patrol over Bani Walid located a former regime main battle tank, which was subsequently disabled by a direct hit from a Brimstone missile.

18 September 2011

British aircraft have once again been in action over Libya, under the auspices of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s were tasked by NATO to conduct a precision strike on Saturday morning against a military headquarters near Hun in central Libya. Seven Paveway bombs destroyed the target. Further north, other RAF aircraft played their part in NATO's intensive armed reconnaissance missions over the city of Sirte, and one patrol destroyed an armoured personnel carrier and a pair of armed pick-up trucks, using Brimstone and Paveway munitions. Early this morning, Tornados mounted a further strike against one of Gaddafi's ammunition facilities, just to the west of Sirte. Again, the Paveway bombs proved extremely accurate and destroyed the target.

Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed more than 960 former regime targets that presented a threat to the Libyan people.

16 September 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft have conducted further long range precision strikes against Sebha, under the aegis of NATO's Operation Unified Protector, as well as continued attacks on Gaddafi's forces around Sirte.

As on a number of previous occasions, a formation of RAF Tornado GR4s took off from RAF Marham loaded with Storm Shadow stand-off missiles on Wednesday morning. Supported by a Tristar tanker, they flew south to Libya, where the Storm Shadows were fired at a number of targets in and around Sebha, including a military vehicle depot and a group of buildings which careful surveillance analysis by NATO had confirmed were in use as a base for those Gaddafi troops and mercenaries who continue to suppress the local population.

At dawn on Thursday morning, 15 September, Tornados from Gioia del Colle conducted an armed reconnaissance mission to Sebha, following reports that Gaddafi's troops there were actively shelling the civilian population. Previously during combat missions in both Libya and Afghanistan, the Brimstone missile has been fired individually, using laser guidance, with exceptionally accurate results. However, it also has the capacity to be fired in a large salvo utilising millimetric radar to guide simultaneously each missile to a separate target. Since a large concentration of former regime armoured vehicles had been located by NATO, this mission saw the salvo firing technique used for the very first time in action, with some two dozen missiles fired. Full battle damage assessment continues, but seven or eight target vehicles were observed on fire, and the precision nature of the Brimstone's warhead means that additional targets were most likely destroyed or severely damaged.

Armed reconnaissance missions were also flown by the RAF over the area of Sirte during Thursday. Our Typhoon and Tornado aircraft engaged targets on a number of occasions during the day, and Paveway bombs and Brimstone missiles accounted for a total of one tank, four multiple rocket launchers and four other armed vehicles.

At sea, the Royal Navy continues to support NATO's maritime mission to enforce UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973, with HMS Liverpool conducting boarding inspections of merchant shipping as necessary, and HMS Bangor helping keep the sea lanes free from any residual mine threat.

14 September 2011

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force continued yesterday their operations under NATO's UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

On Tuesday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s conducting an armed reconnaissance patrol over Sebha in southern Libya located a number of former regime armoured vehicles occupying dug-in positions near the town. Three of the vehicles were destroyed by our aircraft. NATO was also maintaining an intensive presence over the coastal city of Sirte, and during the afternoon, an RAF patrol identified one of Gaddafi's multiple rocket launchers to the east of the city. A Brimstone missile destroyed the vehicle.

At sea, Royal Navy vessels, including Her Majesty's Ships Liverpool and Bangor, remain on patrol off the coast ensuring the free movement of shipping, especially the humanitarian supplies needed by the coastal communities after months of conflict.

12 September 2011

British aircraft have again conducted long range strikes against some of Colonel Gaddafi's remaining military bases during recent days, as NATO continues Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UNSCR 1973.

On Thursday, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s participated with other allied aircraft in a major strike by NATO against a significant command and control facility located near Birak, over 400 miles south of Tripoli, in the Sahara. NATO surveillance had demonstrated that the site, much used by the Gaddafi regime in the past, was once more in active use as a military headquarters. Numerous military targets within the compound were destroyed. A similar long range Storm Shadow attack was also launched by GR4s on Saturday – again, flying from RAF Marham in Norfolk – to hit a major military staging post used by Gaddafi's troops in the town of Sebha, 30 miles from Birak.

RAF aircraft also helped NATO maintain its armed reconnaissance patrols over other parts of the country, and on Friday afternoon Tornado and Typhoon aircraft destroyed a command and control installation near Hun in central Libya. On Saturday morning, a similar mission spotted a former regime main battle tank at Bani Walid, firing from a concealed position. A Paveway guided bomb from a Typhoon destroyed the tank. The same patrol subsequently located a multiple rocket launcher nearby, hidden in a tree line, and destroyed that vehicle as well with a further Paveway.

8 September 2011

British forces have again been in action over Libya, under the authority of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft conducted a number of armed reconnaissance patrols over Libya yesterday, as NATO maintained its successful efforts to enforce UNSCR 1973. During the morning, two formations of our aircraft identified concentrations of Colonel Gaddafi's forces in and around the city of Sirte, where they continue to repress the local population. The RAF aircraft mounted a series of precision attacks using Paveway and Brimstone guided ordnance, and successfully destroyed four main battle tanks, three armoured personnel carriers, a self-propelled gun, two other armoured vehicles and an artillery piece.

As ever, these and other NATO fast jet missions were made possible by the large fleet of combat support aircraft available to NATO, including RAF VC10 and Tristar tankers, and Sentry and Sentinel surveillance platforms.

7 September 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft conducted further strikes against Colonel Gaddafi's remnant forces, while the Royal Navy remained on patrol off Tripoli to secure the safe passage of shipping.

On Monday evening, Royal Air Force Tornados on patrol to the east of Sirte identified a group of three former regime armed pick-up trucks. Close observation revealed that they were acting as a command group for a dug-in artillery piece which had recently been in action; a single Paveway guided bomb destroyed all three vehicles. Off Tripoli, HMS Liverpool and other NATO vessels maintained their long standing watch along the Libyan coast, maintaining UNSCRs 1970 and 1973 and protecting humanitarian shipping movements.

Once again, a formation of Tornado GR4s from RAF Marham in Norfolk demonstrated NATO's ability to reach deep into Libya and the Sahara, flying a long range precision strike mission with Storm Shadow missiles. Their target on Tuesday afternoon was the surface-to-air missile depot at Sebha, near to the airfield and former regime headquarters complex, which surveillance showed was still being used as an active military base by those of Gaddafi's troops who continue to oppress the population of the town. A Tristar tanker from RAF Brize Norton supported the mission on the long flight south. A couple of hours later, an armed reconnaissance patrol by Tornados out of Gioia del Colle located another of Gaddafi's armed trucks east of Sirte, on this occasion armed with a multiple rocket launcher. A Brimstone missile removed the threat that this vehicle posed.

5 September 2011

British aircraft were again in action yesterday over Libya, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, mounting a long range mission against Sebha and conducting strikes on Gaddafi's troops at Sirte.

A formation of Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s took off from RAF Marham in Norfolk on Sunday, and, flying south to the Mediterranean, rendezvoused with allied aircraft to lead a long range strike mission against a group of military communications installations that form a key part of the former regime's major headquarters complex at Sebha, in the Sahara. The RAF aircraft launched a large salvo of highly accurate Storm Shadow stand-off missiles against their targets.

Meanwhile, RAF Tornados and Typhoons based in Italy at Gioia del Colle helped NATO maintain armed reconnaissance patrols over Sirte, and during the evening our aircraft successfully attacked an ammunition depot nearby, as well as a self-propelled artillery piece and an armed pick-up truck, using Paveway and Brimstone guided weapons.

3 September 2011

British forces yesterday took further action over Libya, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

Royal Air Force aircraft flew a number of armed reconnaissance missions as NATO maintained its patrols over those areas where the civilian population remains subject to the oppression of Colonel Gaddafi's remaining troops. In the course of the afternoon, RAF Tornado GR4s conducted a precision strike on three buildings in Bani Walid which were being used by the former regime forces as a depot for military vehicles. All three targets were destroyed by Paveway laser and GPS guided bombs.

Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed over 910 targets that were being used by Gaddafi's former regime to threaten the Libyan people, ranging from secret police headquarters and command bunkers, to tanks, rocket launchers and armed trucks.

1 September 2011

The UK Armed Forces have again been in action by sea and by air against those elements of Colonel Gaddafi's former regime which continue to threaten the people of Libya.

Royal Air Force aircraft conducted intensive patrols yesterday morning over Waddan and Bani Walid. At Waddan, two tanks, a pair of multiple rocket launchers and an artillery support vehicle were destroyed before dawn with Paveway guided bombs, while at Bani Walid two formations of our aircraft targeted a large barracks. Numerous military targets within the barracks were destroyed by Paveways, as well as a tank and a rocket launcher deployed in the same area.

At sea, HMS Liverpool last night closed with pro-Gaddafi coastal positions in and around Sirte and fired illumination barrages of star shell over two vehicle checkpoints. These had the dual effect of confirming the location of the military positions and having a psychological impact on the troops manning them, who were seen to rapidly disperse from their vehicles.

As has been well reported, an RAF C-17 yesterday delivered a very large consignment of Libyan bank notes to the authorities in Benghazi.

31 August 2011

British aircraft have taken further action against the remnants of Colonel Gaddafi's former regime which continue to threaten the people of Libya.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft used Paveway bombs to destroy a military command and control site which NATO surveillance had successfully identified near Bani Walid. During the afternoon, an armed reconnaissance patrol over Waddan was tasked by NATO to attack a mobile radar system which had been located in the area; the vehicle was destroyed.

Further patrols continued at Bani Walid, in the course of which our aircraft spotted three heavily camouflaged Scud missile launchers deployed just to the east of the town, well within potential range of all the coastal cities from Tripoli to Misurata. Paveway guided bombs destroyed all three.

While HMS Liverpool remains on patrol off Tripoli, protecting humanitarian shipping movements into the port, HMS Ocean is undergoing a short period of planned maintenance. This has been co-ordinated with NATO and operations are not affected.

30 August 2011

UK forces, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, have taken further action against elements of Colonel Gaddafi's former regime which continue to threaten the people of Libya.

On Monday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft on an armed reconnaissance patrol located an ammunition lorry near to the heavily damaged central ordnance depot at Waddan, in central Libya. A Brimstone missile destroyed the vehicle. In the course of the evening, a further RAF patrol successfully targeted three buildings near Bani Walid, 100 miles south east of Tripoli, which NATO surveillance analysis had shown were in use by Gaddafi's forces for command and control purposes and ammunition storage; Paveway precision guided bombs destroyed all three.

29 August 2011

British aircraft, flying patrols under the aegis of NATO's Operation Unified Protector, have taken further action against those elements of Gaddafi's former regime which continue to threaten the Libyan people.

With NATO maintaining reconnaissance patrols across Libya, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s yesterday afternoon spotted some of Colonel Gaddafi's artillery in action near Sidra, to the west of Ras Lanuf. A combination of Paveway guided bombs and Brimstone missiles enabled our aircraft to destroy a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, a heavy artillery piece in a gun emplacement, and a pick-up truck armed with a heavy weapon. RAF VC10 and Tristar tankers, and Sentry and Sentinel surveillance aircraft provided essential support to these and other NATO combat patrols.

28 August 2011

The UK Armed Forces have again been in action over Libya as NATO continues its operations to enforce UNSCR 1973.

An armed reconnaissance patrol over Tripoli by RAF Tornado and Typhoon aircraft was tasked by NATO on Saturday evening to prosecute a FROG 7 ballistic missile launch vehicle. This had been spotted in the hands of Gaddafi's forces near the former regime's rocket artillery depot south of the capital, at Bin Ghashir, near to the international airport. A long range, if not very accurate, heavy artillery rocket, the weapon represented a significant potential threat to the population of Tripoli. Our aircraft successfully engaged the missile launcher with a Paveway guided bomb.

At sea, the Royal Navy continues to support NATO's maritime operations, conducting vital surveillance tasks off the Libyan coast.

26 August 2011

British aircraft have again been in action over Libya as part of NATO's mission to enforce UNSCR 1973, including an attack on a headquarters bunker in Gaddafi's home town.

Yesterday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado aircraft located and destroyed one of Colonel Gaddafi's few remaining long range surface to air missile systems, near Al-Watiya, close to the Tunisian border. During the afternoon, Tornados and Typhoons destroyed a command and control node that remained in former regime hands on the road south from Tripoli to the International Airport. Then, at around midnight, a formation of Tornado GR4s, which had launched from RAF Marham, in Norfolk, on a long range strike mission, fired a salvo of Storm Shadow precision guided missiles against a large headquarters bunker in Gaddafi's home town of Sirte.

As ever, these missions, and those conducted by allied fast jets over Libya, relied upon NATO's large fleet of combat support aircraft, including RAF VC10 and Tristar tankers, plus Sentry and Sentinel surveillance platforms.

25 August 2011

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s struck a military facility, located on the southern outskirts of Tripoli. The target was severely damaged by Paveway guided bombs.

During the early evening, an armed reconnaissance patrol identified a group of Scud ballistic missile support vehicles near Sirte, from where recent Scud firings have been attempted by the former regime against the city of Misurata. Our aircraft successfully destroyed three of the vehicles.

24 August 2011

With Free Libyan Forces fighting to overcome pockets of former regime elements within Tripoli, UK forces have helped NATO maintain a constant presence over the city and other areas of potential continued conflict with the country, ready to take further action if necessary under UNSCR 1973.

In the east, near Ras Lanuf, a Royal Air Force armed reconnaissance patrol yesterday evening identified one of Gaddafi’s remaining Grad multiple rocket launchers, and successfully engaged the vehicle with precision guided munitions.

Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed over 890 former regime targets which posed a threat to the Libyan people, ranging from secret police and intelligence headquarters, to several hundred tanks, artillery pieces and armed vehicles.

22 August 2011

With Free Libyan Forces advancing into Tripoli, UK forces continued to strike at Colonel Gaddafi's remaining apparatus of repression within the city, as NATO maintained pressure on the former regime.

On Sunday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft mounted a precision strike before dawn on the military intelligence operations room in Tripoli, close to the Baroni intelligence facility which the RAF had successfully bombed 24 hours previously. Nine Paveway guided bombs were delivered with great accuracy on the target. Later in the day, an armed reconnaissance patrol identified and destroyed one of Gaddafi's main battle tanks positioned on the outskirts of the city.

At sea, HMS Liverpool was conducting surveillance off Tripoli when she sighted a small, Maltese-registered vessel which had been damaged by hostile fire while leaving Tripoli port, apparently with evacuees embarked. The vessel was under way but her manoeuvrability was impaired. HMS Liverpool passed a line to the vessel and towed her to open waters where she was able to proceed safely. Liverpool alerted the Maltese authorities to the vessel's condition, and then was able to return to her duties off the coast.

The strike missions flown by the RAF and other allied fast jets were only made possible by the large fleet of combat support aircraft mustered by NATO, including Royal Air Force VC10 and Tristar tankers, plus Sentry, Sentinel and Fleet Air Arm Sea King surveillance platforms. Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed over 890 former regime targets which posed a threat to the Libyan people, ranging from secret police and intelligence headquarters, to several hundred tanks, artillery pieces and armed vehicles.

21 August 2011

UK forces conducted further strikes on Colonel Gaddafi's intelligence and military installation in Tripoli, as NATO, through Operation Unified Protector, maintained constant pressure on the former regime.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s conducted a precision strike on a key communications facility in south west Tripoli, used by the former regime intelligence organisations headed by Abdullah Senussi, concealed in a building known as the Baroni Centre. As ever with a target in the heart of the city, extreme care was taken in planning the mission to ensure any risk of civilian casualties was avoided. Five precision guided Paveway bombs scored direct hits on the building. Heading south from Tripoli, the RAF aircraft then detected one of Gaddafi's main battle tanks on the outskirts of the city and destroyed it with a further Paveway weapon.

In the course of Saturday afternoon, an RAF patrol successfully engaged an artillery piece on the western edge of Tripoli, and attacked a nearby command and control facility. Around midnight, Tornado and Typhoon aircraft destroyed another command and control facility, located in south west Tripoli, then proceeded east to Sirte, 240 miles away, to destroy a third such installation.

The strike missions flown by the RAF and other allied fast jets were only made possible by the large fleet of combat support aircraft mustered by NATO, including Royal Air Force VC10 and Tristar tankers, plus Sentry, Sentinel and Fleet Air Arm Sea King surveillance platforms. Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have damaged or destroyed some 890 former regime targets which posed a threat to the Libyan people, ranging from secret police and intelligence headquarters, to several hundred tanks, artillery pieces and armed vehicles.

18 August 2011

During the past two days, Royal Air Force aircraft have again been in action over Libya, including a major strike on one of the former regime's main command facilities, a decisive blow against Gaddafi's troops terrorising the population of Sabratha, and the destruction of a force attempting to redeploy by sea.

On Tuesday morning, RAF aircraft destroyed a military staging post near Zlitan with a pair of Paveway guided bombs. During the evening, two formations of Tornados and Typhoons took part with allied aircraft from several other nations in a coordinated and highly accurate strike by NATO on a large command compound at Hun in central Libya, used by former regime leaders to coordinate attacks on the Libyan people. Eleven Paveway bombs were dropped by our aircraft on military targets within the compound including the central headquarters facility.

The early hours of Wednesday saw another military command node in Zlitan destroyed, and armed reconnaissance patrols in the west of the country near Tripoli and Az-Zawiya. These conducted precision strikes on former regime facilities at Sabratah, including a commando base which had been used by Colonel Gaddafi's men to launch numerous reprisals against the local people. The base suffered severe damage and it is reported that it is now in the hands of the Free Libyan Forces and permanently removed as a threat to the safety of the town's population.

In the late afternoon, a further RAF patrol identified a force of pro-Gaddafi troops which had been fighting at the oil refinery on the coast at Az-Zawiya. The armed vehicles on which they had relied to mount their attacks had been taken out of action by a NATO strike, but they were observed to use a tug boat, which had been commandeered as a naval patrol craft, in an attempt to redeploy to new positions along the coast. Since it was clear from their actions that these troops continued to pose a threat to the local population, the RAF patrol engaged the ship. Although a challenging target, small and under way at sea, a direct hit was scored with a laser guided Paveway bomb which sank the vessel. This is a tribute to the professionalism of the aircrew in tracking a moving target with the laser designator, and the accuracy of the weapon system.

RAF VC10 and Tristar tankers, and Sentry and Sentinel surveillance aircraft, provided extensive support to these and other NATO missions. Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps precision strikes have damaged or destroyed some 870 former regime targets which posed a threat to the Libyan people.

It is of note that Colonel Gaddafi is reportedly claiming that NATO has attacked the historic remains of the ancient city of Lepcis Magna. This is nonsense. The UK and its allies are very well aware of the UNESCO World Heritage site and take every precaution to avoid damage. The RAF did attack, in the early hours of Monday morning, a psychological warfare centre over a mile from Lepcis Magna. All four Paveway guided bombs were observed to score direct hits on their proper target.

16 August 2011

As NATO's Operation Unified Protector continues apace over Libya, the Royal Navy has been in action off Zlitan, while Royal Air Force aircraft have taken action against Colonel Gaddafi's rocket launchers in the town.

In the early hours of Monday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s successfully attacked a psychological warfare facility used by the former regime at Zlitan. Throughout the rest of the day, RAF patrols focused their efforts on prosecuting Gaddafi's rocket artillery in and around Zlitan, destroying a support base used by the rocket units, as well as two of the Grad launch vehicles. During the evening, as HMS Liverpool closed with the shore to conduct a naval gunfire mission against former regime positions near Zlitan, she was fired upon, inaccurately, by Gaddafi's troops. She returned fire with her 4.5-inch gun, and RAF aircraft providing overwatch were able to locate and destroy the rocket battery responsible for the attack.

14 August 2011

NATO has continued intensive military action over Libya as part of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, with UK forces playing a full role in the air and at sea.

On Thursday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s destroyed a staging post near Zlitan which NATO intelligence had discovered was being used by mercenaries fighting for Colonel Gaddafi. HMS Liverpool was on patrol off the coast nearby, and overnight Thursday to Friday once again fired star shells to illuminate targets for other NATO missions. In the course of this, she came under inaccurate fire from the shore. Liverpool followed up her illumination tasking with a prolonged barrage of high explosive rounds from her 4.5-inch gun, which destroyed at least two military vehicles and forced a large number of other pro-Gaddafi vehicles and troops to disperse.

Pressure on Gaddafi's forces in the Zlitan area was maintained throughout Friday, with a successful attack on a command and control facility, and concerted strikes by Tornadoes and Typhoons on a military vehicle depot that had been established on the east of the town; it was struck by over a dozen precision guided Paveway bombs. In the early hours of Saturday morning, HMS Liverpool fired more illumination rounds to facilitate NATO air missions over Zlitan, including an RAF patrol which destroyed an armed pick-up truck. In the east, at Brega, an RAF patrol destroyed seven military vehicles during the afternoon.

Since the start of military operations on 19 March, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps precision strikes have damaged or destroyed over 850 former regime targets which posed a threat to the Libyan people.

11 August 2011

UK aircraft have again been in action over Libya during recent days, as part of NATO's mission to protect civilians at risk of attack from Colonel Gaddafi's former regime.

In the early hours of Monday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft conducted precision strikes on an ammunition and vehicle depot, and a military communications facility, both near Zlitan. An armed reconnaissance patrol over Brega, in the east of the country, identified and destroyed two armed pick-up trucks.

Overnight 8/9 August, RAF jets successfully bombed a Libyan frigate in Tripoli harbour. The ship had been damaged previously by NATO air strikes, but careful battle damage assessment indicated that the ship retained an offensive capability. The RAF strike inflicted further serious damage and left the vessel taking on water. Our aircraft also attacked a command and control node and a weapons depot in Bir al-Ghanam in the Djebel Nafousa, and a staging post in Zlitan. On Tuesday night, an RAF patrol returned to Zlitan and conducted a precision strike on a barracks and military staging post.

Yesterday, an armed reconnaissance patrol identified and destroyed an armed truck at Al Azizia, near Tripoli. And last night, Tornado GR4s launched from RAF Marham in Norfolk. Supported by VC10 and Tristar tankers, they flew south across Europe and the Mediterranean to launch a large salvo of Stormshadow precision guided missiles at command bunkers near Sebha, 700 kilometres south of Tripoli, out in the Sahara. They landed at Gioia del Colle after a mission lasting seven hours, and will in due course recover back to Marham.

These and other NATO operations were supported by a large force of essential support aircraft, including RAF VC10s, Tristars, Sentries and Sentinels, and the Fleet Air Arm's Sea King ASAC helicopters.

Visit Defenceheadquarters on YouTube for newly-released video footage from gun cameras onboard British Army Apache attack helicopters, recorded on 6 August 2011 during strikes on military facilities of the former Gaddafi regime at Al-Watiya in western Libya. 

8 August 2011

British forces, operating under the aegis of NATO's UNIFIED PROTECTOR mission, yesterday helped maintain the pressure on those elements of Colonel Gaddafi's former regime which continue to pose a threat to the Libyan people.

While NATO maintained air patrols across Libya on Sunday, the tasking for the Royal Air Force's Tornado and Typhoon aircraft saw them focused particularly on the area around Zlitan. Two formations conducted a concerted strike on a former regime barracks and ammunition depot near the town, as well as a headquarters. Subsequent missions attacked two command and control facilities and a military staging post in Zlitan and Al Khums, while in the east of the country, another RAF patrol successfully engaged a tank and a Grad multiple rocket launcher near Brega.

At sea, HMS Bangor continued her long-standing mine countermeasures patrol off Misurata, where Colonel Gaddafi has repeatedly made unsuccessful attempts to deny the port to humanitarian shipping, while HMS Liverpool once again fired a barrage of illumination rounds to support NATO operations in the Zlitan area. Fleet Air Arm Sea Kings from HMS Ocean used their Searchwater radar to augment NATO's fixed wing surveillance capabilities.

7 August 2011

As NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR continues apace over Libya, the Royal Navy has been in action off Zlitan, while Royal Air Force and British Army aircraft have taken action against Colonel Gaddafi's troops in the western highlands of the Djebel Nafousa.

NATO taskings saw RAF aircraft maintaining frequent patrols throughout Friday over the Djebel Nafousa. One such patrol attacked a building used by artillery teams firing into Yafran, whilst another patrol struck a staging post for the former regime forces which have been concentrated around Gharyan. Further east, HMS Liverpool took action during the early evening of Thursday, successfully engaging, with her 4.5-inch gun, a Grad multiple rocket launcher positioned on the coast near Zlitan. Liverpool remained in the area and, after darkness had fallen, fired star shells to provide illumination for NATO operations in the area.

On Saturday, a precision strike was conducted against a location, near Bir al Ghanam in the Djebel Nafousa, which was supporting multiple rocket launchers. This was followed up by successful attacks on two ammunition stores and a headquarters in the same area, our aircraft employing Paveway guided bombs to destroy their targets.

In the early hours of this morning, Apache helicopters from the Army Air Corps, flying off their carrier HMS Ocean, penetrated deep into Libyan airspace to conduct a strike on a troop concentration at Al Watiyah, 40 miles south of the coast at Zuwarah. Hellfire missiles and cannon fire accounted for one headquarters and twelve military vehicles, including at least one armed with surface to air missiles, with another four vehicles left seriously damaged. Fleet Air Arm Sea Kings provided radar cover, whilst RAF Tornado GR4s flew as overwatch. The Tornadoes were also able to prosecute successfully a target of their own, destroying a military staging post further south at Tiji.

5 August 2011

All three of the UK Services again saw action yesterday against Colonel Gaddafi's former regime in Libya, as NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR continued.

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft struck two locations in Zlitan which intensive NATO surveillance and analysis had shown were being used by Gaddafi's troops. A Grad multiple rocket launcher system, concealed under trees, was also destroyed. Similar missions were also flown against targets identified in the Djebel Nafousa, including two buildings used by artillery teams firing into Yafran, and a headquarters and camp for troops mustered at Gharyan.

Last night, HMS Liverpool closed in to fire a number of salvos from her 4.5-inch gun against a mortar and rocket position near Zlitan. Following up on reconnaissance information provided by the RAF and other NATO air patrols earlier in the day, British Army Apache helicopters launched from HMS Ocean. Supported by Fleet Air Arm Sea Kings providing radar overwatch, the Apaches attacked a pair of vehicle check points used by Gaddafi's men to prevent the free movement of civilians in the area. Five military vehicles were destroyed in and around these positions. Meanwhile, RAF jets conducted a precision strike against the Bin Ghasir missile depot in Tripoli; ten Paveway guided bombs were dropped.

4 August 2011

UK forces, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, have taken further action against elements of Colonel Gaddafi's former regime oppressing the civilian population of Libya.

On Tuesday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft conducted precision strikes on two buildings near Zlitan which NATO surveillance analysis had confirmed were being used as command and control facilities.

One of Gaddafi's main battle tanks was also destroyed during the attack. A follow-up mission attacked a third such headquarters, which was specifically being used to support multiple rocket launchers.

The same RAF patrol was also able to destroy two military staging posts in the area of Yafran, 110 miles [177km] to the south-west in the western highlands of the Djebel Nafousa.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, HMS Ocean launched her Apache helicopters against a pair of buildings near Zlitan being used by Gaddafi's men.

One of the buildings was a former hotel which had been commandeered by the former regime for use as a military base. The British Army helicopters coordinated their strike with RAF Tornado GR4s, combining Hellfire missiles from the Apaches and Paveway guided bombs from the jets to destroy their targets.

Fleet Air Arm Sea Kings from Ocean provided radar overwatch for the strike mission, which was also well supported by other allied aircraft. HMS Liverpool was also close at hand, firing a barrage of illumination rounds to facilitate NATO operations against other targets in the Zlitan area. Gaddafi's troops fired a number of rockets very inaccurately back out to sea.

Tornado GR4s also successfully attacked yesterday another of the former regime's tactical headquarters near Yafran. Last night, RAF Tornados and Typhoons conducted a precision strike on a large military base at Tajura, on the eastern outskirts of Tripoli.

As ever, these and other allied air operations were made possible by the large fleet of NATO combat support assets, including RAF VC10 and Tristar tankers, and Sentry and Sentinel surveillance aircraft.

2 August 2011

The UK Armed Forces again saw action over Libya during the past two days as NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR continued.

On Sunday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft struck a staging post being used by Colonel Gaddafi to muster his forces in the Zlitan area, and also destroyed two of the former regime's tank transporters which had been identified some distance south of Misratah.

Later in the day, another RAF armed reconnaissance patrol successfully engaged a main battle tank near Zlitan, while in the east, RAF jets struck a group of armed pick-up trucks and multiple launch rocket systems which had been observed firing near Brega; three trucks and a rocket launcher were destroyed.

In the early hours of Monday morning, an RAF strike mission returned to Zlitan and successfully attacked another military staging post and an ammunition stockpile.

A similar mission headed for the area north of Yafran, in the Djebel Nafousa, and there struck three command facilities and staging posts.

At sea, HMS Liverpool, having completed a period of planned routine maintenance, has returned to operational duties off Libya, relieving HMS Sutherland.

During her week on task, HMS Sutherland has been involved in boarding operations and naval fire support using her 4.5-inch [114mm] gun, firing both high explosive and illumination rounds.

31 July 2011

On Friday, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft used Paveway guided bombs to conduct ten successful attacks on command and control facilities, barracks and staging areas being used by Gaddafi's men in and around Zlitan.

The targets had all been previously located by intensive NATO reconnaissance missions that had confirmed their usage by the former regime. To the south west of Zlitan, another RAF patrol attacked a railway construction site at Bani Walid, which had been commandeered for use as a military fuel distribution facility.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, RAF jets returned to Bani Walid to attack a staging post where pro-Gaddafi forces were mustering, then proceeded to Tripoli where Brimstone missiles were used in a strike against three satellite dishes used by Libyan state television.

This strike was an attempt to disrupt the broadcast of Gaddafi's murderous rhetoric, which has repeatedly sought to incite violence against fellow Libyans.

The extreme precision of the guidance system and warhead of the RAF's Brimstone missile allowed the effects of the attack to be confined to just the three target satellite dishes with minimal risk of collateral damage.

On Saturday afternoon, an armed RAF reconnaissance patrol joined other NATO aircraft in prosecuting a group of Gaddafi forces which had been spotted firing east towards Misratah.

An allied aircraft destroyed a main battle tank, and our Tornadoes successfully engaged an armed pick-up truck despite its efforts to shelter amongst buildings - again, Brimstone's accuracy allowed an attack to be made without concerns over collateral damage.

During the night, an RAF flight followed up with a strike against a facility supporting Gaddafi's multiple rocket launchers, dropping six Paveway guided bombs.

At sea, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Orangeleaf has joined the maritime task group on patrol off the Libyan coast to provide additional logistic support afloat.

27 July 2011

RAF aircraft, under the auspices of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, have during recent days inflicted numerous losses on those of Colonel Gaddafi's forces which continue to threaten the Libyan people.

Overnight Sunday through to Monday, RAF Tornado and Typhoon aircraft maintained a close watch on regime forces mustered near Gharyan and Zlitan. A tank and another military vehicle were spotted near Gharyan; both were destroyed. At Zlitan, NATO surveillance assets had identified seven buildings in use by the regime as military command and logistics facilities, including two being used to maintain Gaddafi's tank force.

All were successfully attacked by our aircraft. One armed truck was also destroyed. Meanwhile, patrols also continued over Brega in the east, where RAF jets destroyed another of Gaddafi's storage facilities, as well as an additional five armed trucks.

On Tuesday, RAF aircraft successfully targeted five military facilities in and around Al Khums. In the early hours of this morning, Tornado GR4s conducted a further precision strike on a large regime barracks and command centre in Tripoli.

25 July 2011

British forces, supporting NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, helped to maintain the pressure on Colonel Gaddafi's regime by bombing a key intelligence building in Tripoli and inflicting further losses on forces massed against the Libyan people at Zlitan and Gharyan.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, 24 July 2011, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft conducted a precision strike on the Central Organisation for Electronic Research (COER). Ostensibly an engineering academy, the COER has in reality long been a cover for the regime's nefarious activities.

Up until Colonel Gaddafi's renunciation of weapons of mass destruction in 2003, the COER was responsible for his long-range missile development programme. Intensive surveillance by NATO over the past weeks revealed that the building was still being actively used by his security apparatus to repress the civilian population, and was thus a wholly legitimate target.

Also on Sunday morning, other RAF jets successfully attacked two staging posts near Zlitan being used to muster tanks, rocket artillery and ammunition. Later that afternoon, an armed reconnaissance patrol located and destroyed a regime main battle tank near Gharyan, on the edge of the Djebel Nafousa, south of Tripoli.

Since the start of military operations to enforce UNSCR 1973, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps precision strikes have destroyed over 710 regime targets engaged in the repression of the Libyan people.

24 July 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft yesterday used precision guided weapons to breach the walls of Colonel Gaddafi's command complex in central Tripoli.

Gaddafi has for decades hidden from the Libyan people behind these walls. The vast Bab al-Aziziya compound is not just his personal residence, but more importantly is also the main headquarters for his regime, with command and control facilities and an army barracks all part of the same fortified site.

Successive NATO strikes in past weeks have inflicted extensive damage on the military facilities within. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft, supported by allied aircraft, struck the high perimeter walls of the compound, which have for so long been such an unwelcome symbol to the people of Tripoli of Gaddafi's despotic rule.

Paveway guided bombs scored direct hits in thirteen different places on both the outer and inner perimeter walls along the western side of Bab al-Aziziya. As ever, particular care was taken to ensure no civilian traffic on nearby roads was endangered.

Shortly afterwards, other RAF jets on patrol near Zlitan successfully struck four buildings which NATO surveillance missions had confirmed were being used as a command and control centre and a staging post for regime troops being mustered for attacks on the people of Libya.

Armed reconnaissance patrols continued in the area throughout the day, and during Saturday night RAF aircraft were able to conduct a precision strike on a large ammunition stockpile.

In addition, HMS Ocean launched her Army Apache helicopters against a number of military positions between Zlitan and Al Khums, which were successfully engaged using Hellfire missiles.

23 July 2011

UK forces, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, have taken further action against elements of Colonel Gaddafi's regime oppressing the civilian population of Libya.

On Thursday afternoon, 21 July 2011, RAF aircraft patrolling near Zlitan identified and destroyed a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. During the night, British Army Apache helicopters once again launched a strike mission from HMS Ocean, while other NATO aircraft provided overwatch.

Two buildings being used by regime troops at Al Khums were damaged by Hellfire missiles. This strike was followed up by NATO fixed wing aircraft in the early hours of Friday morning; RAF jets hit six ammunition storage facilities near Zlitan and a large building that was being used as a base for multiple rocket launchers threatening Misurata.

In addition, one deployed rocket launcher and two armed trucks were destroyed. On Friday afternoon, further RAF armed reconnaissance patrols successfully engaged one of Gaddafi's tanks and another armed truck, again near Zlitan.

Throughout these operations, NATO tanker and surveillance assets provided essential support, including RAF VC10, Tristar, Sentry and Sentinel aircraft.

At sea, the frigate HMS Iron Duke has been relieved on station by her sister ship HMS Sutherland. HMS Bangor continues to provide NATO's maritime task group with a vital mine countermeasures capability, ready to respond to any attempts by the regime to again lay mines off Misurata port.

21 July 2011

NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR has continued apace in recent days, with British forces in intensive action over Libya to safeguard the civilian population.

In the early hours of Monday morning, RAF Tornado and Typhoon aircraft returned for a second night of precision strikes against the large military vehicle depot at Tajura, on the outskirts of Tripoli, which has used to maintain Colonel Gaddafi's attacks on the civilian population.

At around the same time, other RAF aircraft conducted a surgical strike on the military Identification Friend or Foe antenna at Tripoli airport, the use of Brimstone missiles allowing the effect of the attack to be confined to just the military installation.

At sea, the frigate HMS Iron Duke used her 4.5-inch [114mm] gun to fire a barrage of illumination rounds off Zlitan, to the west of Misurata. The star shells helped NATO aircraft in accurately targeting regime positions in the area, including two rocket firing sites.

On Tuesday morning, an RAF patrol over Zlitan identified a regime mortar position and destroyed it with a Brimstone missile. The pressure was maintained on Gaddafi's troops in the area during the night, when HMS Ocean launched her Apache attack helicopters against regime forces repressing the population in and around Al Khums; Fleet Air Arm Sea Kings provided airborne radar cover.

The targets were a vehicle check point and a group of buildings which previous NATO surveillance missions had established as being used by regime forces. Hellfire missiles were successfully used to destroy the group of six buildings, as well as a large building at the check point. Iron Duke once again fired illumination rounds to assist NATO surveillance missions around Zlitan during the night.

Whilst allied aircraft continued to patrol the length and breadth of Libya, NATO taskings kept the UK's operational contribution focused on Zlitan throughout Wednesday.

RAF jets attacked some 29 buildings in and around the town which had been variously confirmed by detailed reconnaissance and analysis as command and control centres, and military supply, ammunition and fuel storage facilities used by Colonel Gaddafi's troops in repressing the local people.

Our aircraft also struck five multiple rocket launcher systems and a pair of heavy infantry weapon positions in the area. HMS Iron Duke took action against artillery positions which she observed firing towards Misurata; a number of high explosive rounds from her 4.5-inch [114mm] gun quickly silenced the regime guns.

After dark, Ocean once again launched her Apaches, which used Hellfire missiles to destroy two large military vehicle sheds near Al Khums.

17 July 2011

British forces continue to make a significant contribution to the NATO-led Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR over Libya, striking Colonel Gaddafi's troops, wherever they posed a threat to the civilian population, across the breadth of the country.

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft have maintained frequent armed reconnaissance patrols in recent days over Zlitan, to the west of Misurata.

On Friday, a Tornado used a Brimstone missile to destroy one of Colonel Gaddafi's T-62 main battle tanks near the town, and on Saturday, our aircraft destroyed three armed pick-up trucks in the same area with Paveway guided bombs.

To the east, Brega remains another focus for NATO air patrols, and on Saturday, RAF jets identified a number of regime military vehicles in the area; seven, including a multiple rocket launcher, were successfully engaged by our aircraft.

To the north-east of Tripoli, at Tajura, the regime maintains a large military depot with a fleet of vehicles ostensibly reserved for African Union peace-keeping duties.

However, intensive surveillance by NATO has proved that Colonel Gaddafi has cynically been using these vehicles to sustain his relentless attacks on his own people.

Accordingly, a major NATO strike was mounted in the early hours of this morning against the depot. The RAF aircraft which took part in the strike dropped a total of 17 Paveway precision guided bombs, causing extensive damage to their targets.

As ever, these effective air operations have relied heavily on NATO tanker and surveillance assets, including RAF VC10, Sentry and Sentinel aircraft.

At sea, a NATO task group remains very active in enforcing the arms embargo and keeping the sea lanes open for humanitarian shipping into Misurata.

HMS Iron Duke yesterday relieved HMS Liverpool, which has been on station since early April and has played a leading role in NATO's successful efforts to frustrate Gaddafi's naval special forces mounting attacks on Misurata port.

15 July 2011

British forces have again been in action over Libya, protecting civilians from the depredations of Colonel Gaddafi's regime.

Yesterday morning, Thursday 14 July 2011, a Royal Air Force patrol located a BMP armoured personnel carrier near Zlitan, to the west of Misurata. A precision attack by a Typhoon multi-role fighter, using a Paveway guided bomb, successfully destroyed the vehicle.

The precision, accuracy and weight of NATO's air strikes have caused significant damage to Gaddafi's regime forces attacking Libyan people - the RAF alone has to date damaged or destroyed more than 500 military targets including command and control sites.

But as the campaign has progressed, the regime is increasingly attempting to conceal troops, equipment and headquarters, often in populated areas.

Gathering the intelligence needed to precisely target these forces remains a key part of NATO's efforts in prosecuting this campaign.

That is why in the coming days the UK will deploy a further four RAF Tornado GR4s to Gioia del Colle, primarily in the reconnaissance role to further support this effort. As a formidable attack aircraft this deployment will also provide a useful secondary increase to NATO's overall strike capability.

NATO already benefits from the twelve RAF Tornados already deployed at Gioia del Colle. This latest deployment will bolster NATO's reconnaissance capability. The deployment will have no effect on operations in Afghanistan.

13 July 2011

In the early hours of yesterday morning, British Army attack helicopters struck Colonel Gadaffi’s troops engaged in the repression of the civilian population of western Libya.

Having launched from the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, the Apaches penetrated the Libyan coast between Zuwarah and Az Zawiyah. Fleet Air Arm Sea Kings provided radar surveillance, while NATO fixed wing aircraft provided overwatch for the operation.

Flying inland, the Apaches targeted three vehicle check points, which had been located in advance by intensive NATO reconnaissance operations and were being used to prevent free movement by local people.

At each check point, military vehicles and structures were identified and successfully engaged using Hellfire missiles and cannon fire, as well as infantry positions. In total, four military structures and seven vehicles were destroyed, including at least one multiple barrelled rocket launcher.

Since the start of military operations on 19 March 2011 to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps precision strikes have damaged or destroyed over 600 regime targets that were posing a threat to the people of Libya, ranging from main battle tanks and heavy artillery, to command bunkers and secret police facilities.

10 July 2011

British forces were once again very active over Libya on Saturday, as part of the NATO-led efforts to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

A particular focus of operational activity was the wider area around Misurata. To the south of the city, near Tawurgha, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft successfully attacked a former large grain farm, which NATO surveillance operations had revealed as being used by the regime as a base for multiple rocket launchers used to bombard Misurata.

To the south west of the city, two RAF reconnaissance patrols located a battery of four howitzers also threatening the city; attacks with precision guided weapons destroyed all four, as well as an armed pick-up truck.

One of the RAF flights followed up this action with a patrol over the Djebel Nafousa, 120 miles to the west. Near Mizdah, it located yet another of Colonel Gaddafi's field guns; this was duly destroyed.

At sea to the west of Misurata, the destroyer HMS Liverpool engaged regime forces on the coast at Zlitan with a number of high explosive and illumination rounds from her 4.5" gun.

9 July 2011

Yesterday, Colonel Gaddafi's naval special forces again attempted a raid in fast inflatable boats near Misurata; NATO naval forces, including HMS Liverpool, were once again able to thwart the attack before any damage could be caused.

HMS Liverpool was on patrol off Misurata on Friday afternoon when three rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) were detected in the vicinity of Zlitan by a NATO reconnaissance aircraft. The RHIBs were of the type previously used by the regime for attempted raids and minelaying in the area to frustrate humanitarian shipments reaching Misurata port.

Liverpool intercepted the boats, and opened fire with her 4.5-inch [114mm] gun. This had the desired effect; all three boats immediately abandoned their mission, and whilst two raced back to Zlitan harbour, the crew of the third ran ashore beached their craft and fled on foot. Liverpool duly destroyed the boat abandoned on the beach with further 4.5-inch [114mm] gunfire.

Also during the afternoon, a NATO surveillance asset identified an armed pick-up truck being used by Colonel Gaddafi's troops near Mizdah in the Djebel Nafousa. A Royal Air Force armed reconnaissance patrol over the Djebel Nafousa was able to destroy the vehicle using a Paveway laser-guided bomb.

7 July 2011

British forces have taken further military action against Colonel Gaddafi's troops who were posing a threat to civilians in Libya, enforcing UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

On Tuesday night, Army Air Corps Apache helicopters, flying from HMS Ocean, struck check points and vehicle patrols which were restricting civilian freedom of movement along the main coastal road around Al Khums.

Missile, rocket and cannon fire were used to severely damage or destroy a fixed check point, two military vehicles, and a regime strongpoint. Fleet Air Arm Sea Kings provided surveillance radar support to the attack helicopters.

The destroyer HMS Liverpool, operating in the same area, fired a barrage of illumination rounds to facilitate other NATO surveillance operations during the night.

On Wednesday, Royal Air Force patrols over the western highlands of the Djebel Nafousa prosecuted various elements of Gaddafi's forces mustered against the towns in the area.

North of Nalut, near to the Tunisian border, an armed pick up truck was destroyed, while three tank transporters carrying main battle tanks were identified north of Yafran; all three transporters and their tank cargos were successfully engaged.

5 July 2011

The UK Armed Forces have been heavily engaged over the course of the weekend against Colonel Gaddafi's troops who were posing a threat to civilians in Libya.

On Saturday, Royal Air Force Tornados and Typhoons badly damaged a tank near Sirte, and knocked out an armoured personnel carrier and three armed pick-up trucks south of Misurata.

Sunday saw NATO aircraft from several nations mount a coordinated strike on two large warehouse complexes being used to store military supplies in Brega; an RAF Tornado struck three of the target buildings.

RAF jets also destroyed a main battle tank near Gharyan in the Djebel Nafousa; the T-55 was attempting to shelter from air attack in an alleyway between buildings, but the extreme precision of the Brimstone missile's guidance system and warhead nevertheless allowed it to be attacked very successfully.

During the night, HMS Ocean launched her detachment of British Army Apache helicopters in a strike against regime positions at Zuwarah airfield. Four armed vehicles and a command post were successfully attacked using Hellfire missiles and cannon fire. Fleet Air Arm Sea King helicopters provided radar surveillance for the Apache strike.

On Monday, two armed trucks were destroyed by an RAF patrol using Paveway bombs after NATO surveillance assets located them in a compound north of the Djebel Nafousa, near Jadu.

Throughout all these operations, invaluable support was provided by NATO tanker and surveillance aircraft, including RAF VC10s, Sentries and Sentinels. HMS Bangor maintained counter-mine patrols off Misurata, while RFA Fort Rosalie continued to provide afloat logistic support.

2 July 2011

In support of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, British forces have taken further coordinated action against pro-Gaddafi forces, enforcing UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

On Thursday night, RAF Typhoon and Tornado aircraft destroyed ammunition storage facilities in the Waddan area, increasing the pressure on the Regime's military capability. In a further strike, RAF aircraft destroyed a militarised 4x4 in the Al Khums area.

Last night, Army Apache Helicopters targeted the Al Mayah Military camp near Az Zawiyah to the west of Tripoli. The camp has been used by pro-Gaddafi forces as a base from which to terrorise the local population.

In a single mission before midnight, UK Apaches used Hellfire missiles and cannons to destroy or disable a command and control vehicle, a bunker firing position and three Main Battle Tanks.

28 June 2011

NATO continued intensive patrols yesterday under Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973, with UK forces playing a full role.

Royal Air Force aircraft maintained their watch over the western highlands, where Colonel Gaddafi's forces are still attacking the local population. During the morning, three regime main battle tanks were identified, hidden under trees in a military compound near Gharyan, and were put out of action by a precision attack.

A subsequent patrol prosecuted four BTR-60 armoured personnel carriers, concealed in woodland near Yafran but which had been located by NATO surveillance assets; again, Paveway bombs left all of them damaged or destroyed.

27 June 2011

The UK Armed Forces again saw action yesterday over Libya as NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR continued.

Royal Air Force Tornado aircraft attacked a pair of artillery pieces near Yafran, in the Djebel Nafousa south west of Tripoli. During the night, HMS Ocean launched her Army Air Corps Apache helicopters against two regime check points at Bin Jawad, controlling freedom of movement on the coastal road between Brega and Sirte.

Fleet Air Arm Sea King helicopters in the Airborne Surveillance and Area Control role provided support. Three armed vehicles at the checkpoints were destroyed using Hellfire missiles and 30mm Chain Gun fire.

As ever, the strike operations were well supported by NATO tanker and surveillance assets, including Royal Air Force VC10, Sentinel and Sentry aircraft.

26 June 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft continued armed reconnaissance missions over Libya yesterday as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 and protect Libyan civilians at risk from attack.

Near Yafran, in the western highlands of the Djebel Nafousa, an RAF patrol identified a pair of regime military vehicles; both were destroyed with Paveway precision guided bombs.

At sea, HMS Liverpool provided overwatch to an allied warship which was conducting a bombardment of regime forces in the area of Zlitan, west of Misurata.

Since the start of military operations, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps strikes have destroyed some 515 regime targets that were threatening the civilian population.

25 June 2011

British forces yesterday took part in coordinated and intensive NATO action against Colonel Gaddafi's forces near Brega.

Royal Air Force Tornadoes conducted successful precision attacks against a radar station, three command and control centres located in buildings which had been commandeered by the regime, and a warehouse complex used to stockpile military supplies.

The attacks followed sustained and intensive surveillance which had confirmed the use of the various buildings by regime troops and the absence of normal civilian patterns of life in the surrounding areas. They reflect NATO's ability to develop a very sophisticated and detailed intelligence picture surrounding potential targets.

All five of the UK targets were severely damaged or destroyed.

During the night, NATO attack helicopters, including British Army Apaches from HMS Ocean, followed up with further successful strikes in the area. The Apaches destroyed three armed military vehicles and successfully engaged numerous infantry positions at various points around Brega, including the airfield.

Meanwhile, off Zlitan the destroyer HMS Liverpool fired a barrage of illumination rounds to aid NATO reconnaissance operations against regime forces which have continued to pose a threat to the local population in and around Misurata.

18 June 2011

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft flew numerous patrols over Libya over the past two days as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UNSCR 1973 and protect Libyan civilians at risk of attack.

Some sixty miles south of Misratah, a group of Colonel Gaddafi's military vehicles were identified by NATO surveillance assets. In a precision attack on Thursday, using Paveway guided bombs, our aircraft were subsequently able to destroy four of the armed trucks.

On Friday, another of our patrols attacked a further formation of regime armed trucks, positioned near to the Tunisian border north-east of Wasin; three of the vehicles were successfully destroyed. Further east, a fourth armed truck, concealed in an orchard near Yafran, was also attacked and severely damaged by the RAF.

16 June 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft last night participated in further coordinated NATO strikes against Colonel Gaddafi's key facilities in Tripoli.

The RAF Tornado and Typhoon aircraft dropped a number of Paveway guided bombs in a precision attack on multiple targets within the large military vehicle depot that forms part of Gaddafi's Bab Al Aziziya compound in the Libyan capital.

Our aircraft also contributed to the wide ranging air patrols which are flown daily by the NATO-led forces to enforce UNSCR 1973, and an RAF patrol located a regime main battle tank near Yafran, which was attempting to avoid air attack by placing itself amongst residential buildings.

Thanks to the precision effect of the Brimstone missile, delivered by a small warhead and exceptional accuracy, the Tornado was nevertheless able to destroy the tank with minimal risk of causing collateral damage.

15 June 2011

Air patrols over Libya by Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon ground attack aircraft continued yesterday under the auspices of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Our aircraft destroyed three ammunition bunkers at the depot in Waddan, and successfully engaged a military vehicle near Yafran in the Djebel Nafousa.

At sea, Royal Navy ships maintained their patrols with other NATO vessels off the Libyan coast to enforce the United Nations arms embargo and protect from attack coastal communities such as Misurata.

13 June 2011

Members of the UK Armed Forces saw further action yesterday over Libya while participating in NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon ground attack aircraft conducted strikes against two of Colonel Gaddafi's ammunition depots at Waddan and Al Qaryat Ash Sharqiya, destroying in total some nine underground storage bunkers.

At sea, a NATO vessel conducting surveillance operations to enforce the maritime embargo detected high speed inflatable boats approaching Misurata; these craft have previously been used by Gaddafi's special forces in attempts to attack the harbour.

The British Army Apaches aboard HMS Ocean were duly alerted and intercepted the boats, destroying two with 30mm cannon fire. They then successfully engaged a ZSU-23-4 self-propelled anti-aircraft system on the coast near Zlitan, as well as a number of armed vehicles in and around regime checkpoints.

11 June 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft yesterday destroyed four of Colonel Gaddafi's main battle tanks hidden in an orchard near Al Aziziya, south west of Tripoli.

RAF Tornado and Typhoon jets also participated in further coordinated NATO strikes against key regime military installations in and around the capital, with the British aircraft attacking a major military base at Al Maya on the western outskirts of the city; nine Paveway guided bombs were dropped.

These missions were conducted under NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

RAF VC10 and Tristar tankers, and Sentinel, Sentry and Nimrod R1 surveillance aircraft continue to provide vital and widespread support to UK and NATO operations over Libya.

10 June 2011

UK Armed Forces were again in action yesterday over Libya.

NATO continued to mount effective air patrols over wide swathes of the country to enforce UNSCR 1973. Near Zlitan, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft destroyed four of Colonel Gaddafi's main battle tanks, while to the south, near Bani Walid, they attacked a tank transporter. Another patrol engaged a self-propelled gun near Gharyan.

Off Misurata, HMS Ocean launched British Army Apache helicopters to attack a regime communications installation and multiple rocket launcher which had been identified by NATO surveillance operations. Both targets were destroyed and the helicopters returned safely to Ocean.

Since the start of military operations to enforce UNSCR 1973, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps forces have successfully attacked over 430 regime targets involved in Colonel Gaddafi's persecution of the civilian populace.

8 June 2011

NATO continued to conduct intensive air missions on 7 June under the auspices of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon ground attack aircraft, based at Gioia del Colle in Italy, yesterday took off to take part in a precision strike against a major military vehicle depot in Tripoli.

Having refuelled from a NATO tanker aircraft, they joined with other allied aircraft in a coordinated attack on the depot, which is located within Colonel Gaddafi's vast Bab Al Aziziyah compound in Tripoli.

The strike was just one of a number which NATO successfully launched against regime military and command and control facilities in and around the Libyan capital during the course of the day.

Other RAF aircraft, including VC-10 and Tristar tankers, Sentinel, E-3D Sentry and Nimrod R1 surveillance assets, continue to provide vital and widespread support to UK and NATO operations over Libya, while Royal Navy vessels maintain their surveillance patrols off the coast with a capable helicopter force, including British Army Apaches, embarked.

7 June 2011

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon aircraft have mounted attacks on one of Colonel Gaddafi's secret police headquarters in the heart of Tripoli, and a major military installation on the outskirts of the city.

The missions were flown as part of a coordinated series of precision attacks throughout the day and night by NATO aircraft targeting intelligence and military facilities in the Libyan capital. Our jets used Paveway guided bombs to attack the military base, situated in the south-west of the city yesterday evening.

A further RAF strike was then conducted, again with Paveways, against the headquarters of the domestic intelligence service, located in central Tripoli, during the early hours of the morning. Previous RAF attacks had been successfully conducted on 16 May against secret police facilities in neighbouring buildings.

Further information received since that date allowed the target attacked last night to be firmly identified as an intelligence headquarters actively engaged in the brutal repression of the civilian population and therefore to be a legitimate focus for NATO action to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973.

Once again, the UK and NATO have demonstrated their ability to bring a sophisticated and precise application of force to bear on those elements of Gaddafi's regime which refuse to recognise the will of the international community and continue to inflict violence on the Libyan people.

6 June 2011

RAF ground attack aircraft struck the headquarters of Colonel Gaddafi's military intelligence service in Tripoli during the early hours of this morning.

The Tornado and Typhoon aircraft were flying as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973 and protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack. The strike complemented other allied air missions conducted against other key regime targets in Tripoli during the course of last night.

The organisation of the Colonel's apparatus of repression is increasingly well understood, as our intelligence improves daily and senior members of the regime defect.

At sea, Royal Navy vessels are maintaining their patrols off the Libyan coast, including HMS Ocean with her complement of Army Air Corps Apache helicopters stood by, should appropriate targets be identified. Similarly, the submarine HMS Triumph remains on hand, should her very capable Tomahawk missiles be required.

5 June 2011

UK Armed Forces were again in action yesterday over Libya as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

Royal Air Force Tornadoes joined other NATO aircraft in a major strike on a large surface to air missile depot in Tripoli, attacking eight targets within the complex as part of the continuing effort to maintain the No Fly Zone, imposed by UN Security Council Resolution 1973 to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack.

At sea, HMS Ocean launched her British Army Apaches against a multiple rocket launch system positioned on the Libyan coast near Brega. The Attack Helicopters used Hellfire missiles to destroy their target before returning safely to the ship.

As before, these missions were supported by other NATO aircraft, including RAF Sentry, Sentinel and Nimrod surveillance aircraft and VC-10 tankers.

Since the start of military operations to enforce UNSCR 1973, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps forces have successfully attacked over 410 regime targets involved in Colonel Gaddafi's persecution of the civilian populace.

4 June 2011

Apache Attack Helicopters, flying from HMS Ocean, conducted their first operational sorties over Libya last night.

The mission was carefully coordinated with other allied air missions by NATO's air operations centre, based at Poggio in Italy, under Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, and in particular was planned alongside an operation by French helicopters from the assault ship Tonnerre.

The Apaches were tasked with precision strikes against a regime radar installation and a military checkpoint, both located around Brega. Hellfire missiles and 30mm cannon were used to destroy the targets; the helicopters then returned safely to HMS Ocean.

In the same area, Royal Air Force ground attack aircraft destroyed another military installation, whilst a separate RAF mission successfully attacked two ammunition bunkers at the large Waddan depot in central Libya.

The targets which were prosecuted by the Attack Helicopters, Tornados and Typhoons had been carefully and rigorously selected; our understanding of the detailed disposition of Colonel Gaddafi's forces has been improving in a very satisfactory manner, despite their efforts to conceal themselves.

The UK and NATO have been clear throughout this operation that they will use whatever assets and resources are most appropriate to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973 and protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack.

Operations to date have made good progress in securing the No Fly Zone and preventing serious loss of life in Misratah and Benghazi. It is therefore now appropriate to employ Attack Helicopters to help intensify the effect that NATO can deliver at key points against regime forces which continue to threaten their own people.

As yesterday's operations demonstrate, the capabilities of the Apache complement well the precision strike and reconnaissance missions flown by NATO fast jets.

3 June 2011

NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR continues apace to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Royal Air Force Tornado aircraft yesterday patrolled over Yafran, where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to attack the peoples of the western highlands. Our aircraft identified a small formation of regime armour deployed in the area and destroyed two main battle tanks and two armoured personnel carriers with Paveway guided bombs.

1 June 2011

Intensive air missions continued yesterday under NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

RAF ground attack aircraft conducted successive strikes against one of Colonel Gaddafi's largest ammunition depots, located at Waddan, in the central region of Libya.

As NATO operations have taken their toll of stockpiles closer to the coast, the regime has become increasing dependent on Waddan for the ammunition to sustain its attacks on the civilian population. The Tornado and Typhoon strikes yesterday destroyed ten ammunition bunkers and a military vehicle at the depot.

RAF VC-10 tankers, and Sentinel, Sentry and Nimrod R1 surveillance aircraft continue to provide vital and widespread support to UK and NATO operations over Libya, while Royal Navy vessels maintain their surveillance patrols off the coast.

31 May 2011

The UK Armed Forces were again in action over Libya during the weekend, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon ground attack aircraft destroyed a main battle tank near Jadu on Saturday, and on Sunday engaged a multiple rocket launcher and support vehicles south of Zlitan.

On Monday, further RAF patrols near Zlitan located five heavy transporters carrying main battle tanks; all were destroyed or severely damaged.

RAF VC-10 tankers, and Sentinel, Sentry and Nimrod R1 surveillance aircraft continue to provide vital and widespread support to UK and NATO operations over Libya, while Royal Navy vessels maintain their surveillance patrols off the coast.

28 May 2011

RAF Typhoons, along with other NATO aircraft, last night used precision guided weapons to bring down guard towers along the walls of Colonel Gaddafi's Bab Al Aziziyah complex in the centre of Tripoli.

For decades, Colonel Gaddafi has hidden from the Libyan people behind these walls, spreading terror and crushing opposition. The massive compound has not just been his home, but is also a major military barracks and headquarters, and lies at the heart of his network of secret police and intelligence agencies.

Previous NATO attacks have hit command and control and other military facilities within the complex. Last night's action sends a powerful message to the regime's leadership and to those involved in delivering Colonel Gaddafi's attacks on civilians that that they are no longer hidden away from the Libyan people behind high walls.

The air mission was conducted as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

26 May 2011

Intensive air missions continued yesterday under NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

A major target for the Royal Air Force contingent yesterday was the large military vehicle depot at Tiji in the west of Libya, which has been supporting regime attacks on the civilian population in the Djebel Nafousa region, south west of Tripoli.

Tornado and Typhoon aircraft, accompanied by other NATO aircraft, used Paveway guided bombs to attack multiple targets within the depot, causing very extensive damage.

25 May 2011

Royal Air Force aircraft yesterday attacked four of Colonel Gaddafi's heavy armoured vehicles deployed near the Libyan city of Zlitan - all four were destroyed or badly damaged. The RAF Tornado and Typhoon jets also destroyed a regime radar station at Brega.

These missions were conducted under NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

RAF VC-10 tankers, and Sentinel, Sentry and Nimrod R1 surveillance aircraft continue to provide vital and widespread support to UK and NATO operations over Libya.

24 May 2011

The UK Armed Forces were again in action over Libya during the weekend, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon ground attack aircraft destroyed a regime vehicle near Zlitan on Saturday, and on Monday engaged a further two vehicles in the same area.

RAF aircraft armed with precision guided weapons also participated in a major NATO strike operation against targets in and around Tripoli last night, attacking a large military vehicle depot within Colonel Gaddafi's large Bab Al Aziziyah complex in the centre of the city.

As ever, the utmost care was taken in mounting the attack to avoid the risk of innocent civilian casualties.

21 May 2011

Two RAF aircraft struck at five multiple rocket launchers in the vicinity of Tripoli yesterday as part of NATO Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

The Typhoon and Tornado jets targeted the launchers with Enhanced Paveway II and Paveway IV bombs as part of our mission to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

By striking at these weapons RAF pilots have removed the ability of Colonel Gaddafi's forces to use them to attack Libyan civilians.

20 May 2011

RAF aircraft last night participated in a major NATO strike against Colonel Gaddafi's navy, as part of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

The RAF attack was mounted against the naval base at Al Khums, the nearest concentration of regime warships to the port of Misratah which Colonel Gaddafi has repeatedly attempted to close to humanitarian shipping.

As well as hitting two corvettes in the harbour, the Royal Air Force Tornados successfully targeted a facility in the dockyard constructing fast inflatable boats, which Libyan forces have used several times in their efforts to mine Misratah and attack vessels in the area.

Although prompt action each time by Royal Navy and other NATO warships has prevented any damage being caused by these attacks, the destruction last night of the facility and a significant stockpile of the boats will reduce the regime's ability to sustain such tactics.

Before the start of the NATO naval patrols, Colonel Gaddafi had used his conventional warships, such as the corvettes, to shell coastal towns; last night's operation will have had a very significant impact on his ability to do so again.

18 May 2011

Intensive air patrols were maintained yesterday under NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Following Monday's successful attacks on Colonel Gaddafi's intelligence agencies, Royal Air Force Tornado and Typhoon ground attack aircraft struck a command bunker on Tuesday near Tarhunah, south east of Tripoli.

They also patrolled the area around Misratah, destroying a multiple rocket launcher and armed vehicle south of the city. Further west, two main battle tanks and two armoured personnel carriers, spotted near Yafran, were destroyed.

Royal Navy and Royal Air Force precision attacks have damaged or destroyed some 330 regime targets since the start of operations to enforce UNSCR 1973.

17 May 2011

The Ministry of Defence can confirm that UK Armed Forces, as part of NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR to enforce UNSCR 1973 and protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack, took action last night against targets in Tripoli closely involved in the repression of the Libyan people by Colonel Gaddafi's regime.

In conjunction with strikes by other NATO allies, Royal Navy Tomahawk missiles, fired from HMS Triumph, and Royal Air Force Tornado aircraft attacked important intelligence agency buildings and a training base used by Colonel Gaddafi's Executive Protection Force.

The facilities that were struck lay at the heart of the apparatus used by the regime to brutalise the civilian population.

One of the intelligence facilities which was hit is known to play a significant role in the collection of information by Colonel Gaddafi's secret police, whilst the other was a headquarters for the External Security Organisation, commanded by Abdullah Sanussi.

The so-called Executive Protection Force acts as the bodyguard for the inner circle of the Colonel's regime, and is also entrusted with other sensitive tasks.

Vehicles at the training base have been identified as having been directly involved in the bloody suppression of public demonstrations in Tripoli on 4 March 2011, when live ammunition was used against the legitimate protestors.

This action clearly demonstrates both NATO's commitment and its ability to reach out and strike directly at Gaddafi's instruments of repression; the consequences are clear for those who choose to continue supporting this regime. As ever, the utmost care was taken in targeting, with every measure taken to avoid innocent civilian casualties.

16 May 2011

NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, continues at a high tempo, with the UK Armed Forces making a significant contribution.

On Thursday 12 May 2011, a Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft destroyed Libyan self propelled artillery with an Enhanced Paveway II bomb, keeping up pressure on the Gaddafi regime. The aircraft struck the two Palmaria self propelled guns in an attack near Gaddafi's home town of Sirte.

The Palmaria is a tracked 155mm Howitzer, with the vehicle design based on a main battle tank.

It has a top speed of 60km/h and can travel up to 400km before refuelling. It can fire a variety of ammunition, with firing ranges in excess of 20km.

Each Palmaria was destroyed using an Enhanced Paveway II bomb. The 1,000lb [454kg] weapon is highly effective against armoured targets like the guns. It also has both laser and GPS designation to ensure accuracy.

As in all attacks carried out by NATO, a full set of checks was carried out to ensure minimum collateral damage.

Images from the Typhoon's Litening III targeting pod confirmed that the targets were destroyed.

The UK is operating over Libya alongside other NATO allies and partners to disrupt and destroy the ability of Gaddafi's forces to inflict harm on the people of Libya.

NATO aircraft have flown more than 6,000 sorties, nearly half of them strike sorties, since NATO assumed command of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR on 31 March 2011.

12 May 2011

NATO's Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, to protect Libyan civilians under threat of attack and enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, continues at a high tempo, with the UK Armed Forces making a significant contribution.

At sea, the destroyer HMS Liverpool, whilst engaged on surveillance operations off the Libyan coast, was tasked with other NATO warships to intercept small high speed inflatable craft spotted approaching the port of Misratah; similar boats have previously been used by the regime to attempt to mine the harbour.

The regime artillery on the coast fired an inaccurate salvo of rockets at Liverpool, whereupon she immediately returned fire with her 4.5 gun, which silenced the shore battery. As a result of the prompt action by HMS Liverpool and the other NATO warships, Colonel Gaddafi's boats abandoned their operation.

Tornado and Typhoon ground attack aircraft from the Royal Air Force patrolled over the besieged city of Misratah on Monday, and attacked a number of regime targets in the area, damaging or destroying two mobile radar systems, two multiple rocket launchers and a main battle tank.

On Tuesday, our aircraft attacked a surface to air missile system and anti-aircraft artillery near Bani Walid, before causing severe damage to a large military vehicle depot near Tripoli, using GPS guided Paveway bombs to hit the target despite cloud cover.

On Wednesday, RAF aircraft successfully attacked a total of five mobile radar systems and one surface to air missile launcher in two separate strikes near Tripoli and Sirte.

*Prior to 4 June 2011 the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communication Officer was Major General John Lorimer. From 4 June 2011 onwards it has been Major General Nick Pope.