Libya action: More UK missiles target defences

HMS Triumph Trafalgar-class submarine HMS Triumph was involved in the first strikes at the weekend
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UK forces have launched further missiles at Libyan air defences during a fifth night of coalition action to enforce the UN resolution on Libya.

Guided Tomahawk land attack missiles were fired from a Trafalgar Class submarine, defence officials said.

UK forces are part of a coalition enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya.

On Wednesday RAF commander of the air operations over Libya, Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell, said the Libyan air force was no longer a fighting force.

Ships from Nato nations have also started patrolling off the Libyan coast to enforce a UN arms embargo against Col Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

They aim to intercept and board ships suspected of ferrying arms to the Libyan government.
'Watching over innocent'

AVM Bagwell said the coalition was now applying pressure on Libya's armed forces.

The chief of defence staff's strategic communication officer, Major General John Lorimer, said the missiles launched on Wednesday night were part of the coalition plan to enforce the UN resolution.
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“Start Quote

We have the Libyan ground forces under constant observation and we attack them whenever they threaten civilians or attack population centres”

End Quote Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell

"Britain and her international partners remain engaged in operations to support United Nations Security Resolution 1973, to enforce the established no-fly zone and to ready the UK's contribution to the Nato arms embargo of Libya," he said.

AVM Bagwell, speaking during a visit to RAF aircrew based at Gioia del Colle, in southern Italy, said: "We are watching over the innocent people of Libya and ensuring that we protect them from attack.

"We have the Libyan ground forces under constant observation and we attack them whenever they threaten civilians or attack population centres."

Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Prime Minister David Cameron said Arab support for the military operation over Libya was "very strong".

"Clear support is there from the secretary general [of the Arab League]... and I believe support in the Arab world, not just among Arab leaders, but also amongst Arab people, for saving lives in Libya is very strong."

Mr Cameron told MPs that 11 nations were contributing more than 150 aircraft.

He confirmed that Qatari Mirage jets had been taking part in the operation, and said there would be "logistic help" from countries like Kuwait and Jordan.
'Good effect'

The prime minister said the coalition operation over Libya had had a "good effect" in protecting civilians, but that it was still early days.

The foreign secretary has announced that the UK will host an international conference on Libya next week.

The coalition action began after the United Nations Security Council authorised the use of military force in Libya in order to protect its citizens calling for an end to Col Gaddafi's rule from attacks by his regime.

Security Council Resolution 1973 called for a ceasefire and the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya, and it imposed a freeze on "all funds, other financial assets and economic resources" owned or controlled by the Libyan authorities.

Many in the rebel-held cities in eastern Libya have welcomed the intervention, with thousands marching on Wednesday to show their gratitude for the no-fly zone.
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