UK Tornado jets launch precision bomb raids on Libya
March 26th, 2011 - 11:50 am ICT by ANILondon, Mar. 26 (ANI): Heavily armed British Tornado jets fired guided Brimstone missiles at Libyan forces as they threatened pro-democracy supporters in the city of Ajdabiya.
The British flew into action after a Libyan warplane was blasted from the sky by a French fighter jet on Friday, the first time a Gaddafi aircraft was demolished for violating the no-fly zone.
The RAF’s devastating raids came as NATO today assumed responsibility of enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya.
The Sun quoted British Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox, as saying: “British Tornado GR4 Aircraft, on armed reconnaissance missions over Libya, last night took part in a co-ordinated missile strike against units of Colonel Gaddafi’s Libyan Military in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
According to a Daily Mail report, the Tornado GR4 warplanes fired missiles at four tanks, turning them all into fireballs.
Gaddafi loyalists, who retook most of the town from rebels last week, are accused of trying to starve locals and of carrying out beatings, kidnappings and rapes.
Last night a strong force of trucks fixed with multiple rocket-launchers and heavy machineguns was massing in an attempt to liberate the town.
‘This will weaken their forces and more importantly their morale,’ said rebel spokesman Mustafa Gheriani.
The Tornados were on a reconnaissance mission in the UN no-fly zone when they spotted 12 armoured vehicles, including Russian-made T-72 tanks. At around 30,000ft, the jets fired precision-guided 110lb Brimstone missiles at their targets.
In two sorties, separated by refuelling, they blew up four tanks, while coalition planes took out three armoured vehicles.
Wing Commander Andy Turk described the Tornado attack as a rewarding feeling.
“I’ve done something which has saved someone’s life,” he said.
French jets weighed in by destroying an artillery battery near the town. Gaddafi’s troops control most of Ajdabiya and have established a cordon in its outskirts. There is still fighting in the centre however.
The 28-country NATO alliance had been in charge of the no-fly zone and arms embargo while leaving the responsibility for air strikes to the U.S., UK and France. (ANI)
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