A Military Operations news article
24 Mar 11
A Royal Navy submarine has launched further missile strikes against Libyan air defence targets as part of co-ordinated coalition action in support of enforcing UN Resolution 1973.
In a statement, the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer, said:
"British Armed Forces have again participated in a co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
"The UK launched guided Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles from a Trafalgar Class submarine at air defence targets as part of the coalition plan to enforce the resolution.
"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."
Showing posts with label U.K. forces. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.K. forces. Show all posts
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Libyan air force neutered
A Military Operations news article
24 Mar 11
The RAF's commander of the air operations over Libya, Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell, has reported that the Libyan air force "no longer exists as a fighting force."
Speaking from Gioia del Colle air base, near Bari in southern Italy, earlier this afternoon, AVM Bagwell said that the Libyan air force had been neutered by the coalition action:
"We are now applying sustained, unrelenting pressure on the Libyan armed forces. Their air force no longer exists as a fighting force, and its integrated air defence system and command and control networks are severely degraded to the point that we can operate over [Libyan] airspace with impunity," he said.
"As we continue to enforce the no-fly zone, 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 or attack civilians or population centres."
With the arrival on Tuesday night of the RAF Tornado GR4 jets at Gioia del Colle air base, all UK fast jets currently assigned to Operation ELLAMY are now in place.
The presence of the Tornados together with the Typhoon fighters means that the UK can strike both air and ground targets as required, as part of the coordinated international operation authorised by United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
The Chief of Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer, said today:
"UK air operations over Libya have continued. Alongside coalition partners, seven of whom have aircraft flying over Libya, the UK RAF Typhoons have been patrolling the no-fly zone of UNSCR 1973.
"The four RAF GR4 Tornados took off from the base in Gioia del Colle and have been conducting further air reconnaissance missions over Libya as part of Operation Ellamy. They returned to the base without releasing ordnance.
"NATO today announced the Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR as the NATO arms embargo, which aims to prevent arms being delivered to Libya via the Northern Coastal Flank. UK air and maritime forces will assist in this operation."
RAF Tornado GR4 fast jet stands by for missions over Libya at Gioia del Colle air base, near Bari in southern Italy
[Picture: Senior Aircraftman Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011] Full size
RAF Typhoon aircraft is serviced at Gioia del Colle air base in southern Italy following a mission over Libya
[Picture: Senior Aircraftman Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011] Full size
A Tornado GR4 aircraft from RAF Marham refuels from a Tristar tanker aircraft from the RAF's 216 Squadron
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2011] Full size
Source
24 Mar 11
The RAF's commander of the air operations over Libya, Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell, has reported that the Libyan air force "no longer exists as a fighting force."
Speaking from Gioia del Colle air base, near Bari in southern Italy, earlier this afternoon, AVM Bagwell said that the Libyan air force had been neutered by the coalition action:
"We are now applying sustained, unrelenting pressure on the Libyan armed forces. Their air force no longer exists as a fighting force, and its integrated air defence system and command and control networks are severely degraded to the point that we can operate over [Libyan] airspace with impunity," he said.
"As we continue to enforce the no-fly zone, 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 or attack civilians or population centres."
With the arrival on Tuesday night of the RAF Tornado GR4 jets at Gioia del Colle air base, all UK fast jets currently assigned to Operation ELLAMY are now in place.
The presence of the Tornados together with the Typhoon fighters means that the UK can strike both air and ground targets as required, as part of the coordinated international operation authorised by United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
The Chief of Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer, said today:
"UK air operations over Libya have continued. Alongside coalition partners, seven of whom have aircraft flying over Libya, the UK RAF Typhoons have been patrolling the no-fly zone of UNSCR 1973.
"The four RAF GR4 Tornados took off from the base in Gioia del Colle and have been conducting further air reconnaissance missions over Libya as part of Operation Ellamy. They returned to the base without releasing ordnance.
"NATO today announced the Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR as the NATO arms embargo, which aims to prevent arms being delivered to Libya via the Northern Coastal Flank. UK air and maritime forces will assist in this operation."
RAF Tornado GR4 fast jet stands by for missions over Libya at Gioia del Colle air base, near Bari in southern Italy
[Picture: Senior Aircraftman Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011] Full size
RAF Typhoon aircraft is serviced at Gioia del Colle air base in southern Italy following a mission over Libya
[Picture: Senior Aircraftman Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011] Full size
A Tornado GR4 aircraft from RAF Marham refuels from a Tristar tanker aircraft from the RAF's 216 Squadron
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2011] Full size
Source
Libyan air force neutered
A Military Operations news article
24 Mar 11
The RAF's commander of the air operations over Libya, Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell, has reported that the Libyan air force "no longer exists as a fighting force."
Speaking from Gioia del Colle air base, near Bari in southern Italy, earlier this afternoon, AVM Bagwell said that the Libyan air force had been neutered by the coalition action:
"We are now applying sustained, unrelenting pressure on the Libyan armed forces. Their air force no longer exists as a fighting force, and its integrated air defence system and command and control networks are severely degraded to the point that we can operate over [Libyan] airspace with impunity," he said.
"As we continue to enforce the no-fly zone, 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 or attack civilians or population centres."
Source
24 Mar 11
The RAF's commander of the air operations over Libya, Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell, has reported that the Libyan air force "no longer exists as a fighting force."
Speaking from Gioia del Colle air base, near Bari in southern Italy, earlier this afternoon, AVM Bagwell said that the Libyan air force had been neutered by the coalition action:
"We are now applying sustained, unrelenting pressure on the Libyan armed forces. Their air force no longer exists as a fighting force, and its integrated air defence system and command and control networks are severely degraded to the point that we can operate over [Libyan] airspace with impunity," he said.
"As we continue to enforce the no-fly zone, 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 or attack civilians or population centres."
Source
HMS Westminster supports Libya operations
A Military Operations news article
23 Mar 11
HMS Westminster is currently patrolling off the coast of Libya and stands ready to support any humanitarian or embargo actions as required by the coalition to enforce UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
The Royal Navy Type 23 frigate has been there for a few weeks now, having sailed from London at short notice to support the operations off Libya.
Early on she provided some support to the non-combatant evacuation operations and has subsequently been patrolling in the Bay of Sirte, reporting the activities on the ground and in the air back to the UK authorities. In both the reporting of intelligence and as a demonstration of the UK Government's commitment to this region she has played an important role.
Now that military action has been taken in support of UNSCR 1973, HMS Westminster is continuing to report the situation back to the UK, and is prepared for tasking to support any humanitarian or embargo operations that may be required.
She is playing an important role in deterring Colonel Gaddafi's navy from conducting attacks against the Libyan people. Before UN Security Council Resolution 1973, their gunboats shelled a number of the coastal towns, but with Westminster, HMS Cumberland and HMS Triumph patrolling the coastal waters, there has been a very marked reluctance on the part of the Libyan Navy to venture forth since the start of the enforcement action.
HMS Westminster expects to remain engaged in a dynamic and evolving operational situation for the foreseeable future.
Commander Tim Green, HMS Westminster's Commanding Officer, said:
"We have switched quickly from official ceremonies in London to operational circumstances off Libya in very short order and with the minimum of fuss. Having assisted in non-combatant evacuation operations we are now guarding the maritime flank, protecting the Libyan people from Gaddafi's aggression.
"We are ready for combat, embargo or humanitarian operations at immediate notice. This is what the Royal Navy does and my ship and people have stepped up to the mark brilliantly."
As the Commanding Officer was speaking, the ship's helicopter was airborne conducting maritime patrol operations, exerting the Royal Navy's sea control over the area.
HMS Westminster also has a detachment of Royal Marines embarked ready to assist in maritime security operations, augmenting the ship's own board and search capabilities, and is ready to enforce embargo operations in support of UNSCR 1973.
HMS Westminster during her transit towards Libya
[Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Sean Clee, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011] Full size
Source
23 Mar 11
HMS Westminster is currently patrolling off the coast of Libya and stands ready to support any humanitarian or embargo actions as required by the coalition to enforce UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.
The Royal Navy Type 23 frigate has been there for a few weeks now, having sailed from London at short notice to support the operations off Libya.
Early on she provided some support to the non-combatant evacuation operations and has subsequently been patrolling in the Bay of Sirte, reporting the activities on the ground and in the air back to the UK authorities. In both the reporting of intelligence and as a demonstration of the UK Government's commitment to this region she has played an important role.
Now that military action has been taken in support of UNSCR 1973, HMS Westminster is continuing to report the situation back to the UK, and is prepared for tasking to support any humanitarian or embargo operations that may be required.
She is playing an important role in deterring Colonel Gaddafi's navy from conducting attacks against the Libyan people. Before UN Security Council Resolution 1973, their gunboats shelled a number of the coastal towns, but with Westminster, HMS Cumberland and HMS Triumph patrolling the coastal waters, there has been a very marked reluctance on the part of the Libyan Navy to venture forth since the start of the enforcement action.
HMS Westminster expects to remain engaged in a dynamic and evolving operational situation for the foreseeable future.
Commander Tim Green, HMS Westminster's Commanding Officer, said:
"We have switched quickly from official ceremonies in London to operational circumstances off Libya in very short order and with the minimum of fuss. Having assisted in non-combatant evacuation operations we are now guarding the maritime flank, protecting the Libyan people from Gaddafi's aggression.
"We are ready for combat, embargo or humanitarian operations at immediate notice. This is what the Royal Navy does and my ship and people have stepped up to the mark brilliantly."
As the Commanding Officer was speaking, the ship's helicopter was airborne conducting maritime patrol operations, exerting the Royal Navy's sea control over the area.
HMS Westminster also has a detachment of Royal Marines embarked ready to assist in maritime security operations, augmenting the ship's own board and search capabilities, and is ready to enforce embargo operations in support of UNSCR 1973.
HMS Westminster during her transit towards Libya
[Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Sean Clee, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011] Full size
Source
Monday, March 21, 2011
2011/03/21 - Update on Operation ELLAMY
[Transcript of Operation ELLAMY update delivered by Major General John Lorimer on 21 March 2011]
Speech delivered by Chief of Defence Staff, Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer at Ministry of Defence, Main Building, London on Monday 21 March 2011.
Good afternoon; I am Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer and the MOD's Media Spokesman on operations.
I would like to update you on Operation ELLAMY, which is the name for the United Kingdom's military support to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. The operation has entered its third day, after a second night that saw British Forces in action in support of the Resolution. Meanwhile, the Coalition continues to build, and each country will make its own announcements at the appropriate time. They join, amongst others, us, France, Canada, Belgium, Italy and the United States.
First, I'll give you a short overview of the rationale for the operation, then brief on last night's maritime and air operations.
Now, on March 19, Colonel Gaddafi's forces launched an attack on Benghazi, shelling residential suburbs. Mustafa Abdul Jalil, Head of the opposition Interim Transitional National Council in Benghazi, said the city had been bombarded with artillery and rockets, and eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing government tanks inside the city. Numerous civilian casualties, including children, the elderly and women have been reported.
Air strikes by the United States, the United Kingdom and France to enforce a No-Fly Zone succeeded in stopping the artillery assault on Benghazi. But on the evening of 19 March about 200 pro-Gaddafi Revolutionary Committee forces were said to be targeting anti-Gaddafi forces in the streets of the city. Opposition sources are now saying that Colonel Gaddafi is withdrawing his troops from Benghazi and increasing attacks elsewhere in the country.
In Misrata, Colonel Gaddafi's forces have launched artillery and tank bombardments against the city over the weekend, causing dozens of injuries and damage to electricity and water supplies. Fighting continued on 20 March with reports that pro-Gaddafi forces had entered the city with tanks, and that naval vessels in the port were preventing aid from landing.
Although the Libyan authorities again claimed a ceasefire yesterday, there has been no evidence to suggest that there has been any change in the stance of the Libyan military, and, as the Prime Minister has said, we will continue to judge Colonel Gaddafi on his actions; and our assessment is that he is in breach of these obligations, so we will continue to enforce the Resolution.
Now let me move onto last night's operations.
You will be interested, I'm sure, in the missile attacks that were called off overnight. The plan was to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles from our submarine, and Stormshadows from our Tornado GR4s last night. Our targets formed part of the command and control systems of the Libyan military including their air defence systems. The initial attack came from one of our Trafalgar Class submarines (operating in the Mediterranean) firing Tomahawks; these were launched and successfully attacked the intended targets. Despite Libyan reports and claims to the contrary we are not aware of any civilian casualties.
Then later last night, the plan was to attack other targets, with Stormshadow, a mission undertaken by Tornados flying from RAF Marham - a return journey of some 3000 miles. However, after the Tornados had taken off, we learned that there were civilians in the area. We therefore took the decision to call off the attack and the Tornado aircraft returned to base with all their missiles. Now this clearly demonstrates that we take all measures possible to reduce the chances of harming innocent civilians. And despite what you might see from the Libyan authorities, we have no evidence to suggest that we have caused innocent civilian casualties.
Moving onto other developments. We now have Typhoon aircraft based at the Italian Air Force base Gioia del Colle (Joya dell collay). They arrived there yesterday afternoon, and these aircraft are from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Leuchars in Fife. They will operate from Gioia Del Colle in southern Italy as part of the Coalition's enforcement of the No Fly Zone. This group of aircraft and their support have formed up as 906 Expeditionary Air Wing and they will be supported by 907 Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. 907 Wing comprises VC10, Nimrod R1 and Sentinel aircraft providing air-to-air refuelling and reconnaissance capabilities. C-17 and C-130 aircraft have also been used to assist in the build up of our deployed forces.
Looking ahead, we expect to deploy Tornado aircraft to Gioia del Colle very soon.
Turning to British maritime forces in the Mediterranean, HMS Westminster remains off the coast of Libya and HMS Cumberland is in the region ready to support operations. Once the NATO planning process is complete, they could contribute to ensuring the arms embargo is upheld. Indeed, NATO Navies and Air Forces are experienced in maritime security operations in the Mediterranean for example through Operation Active Endeavour. Our Trafalgar class submarine remains on alert in the operating area.
Those ships and aircraft in the region are part of a layered defence against the illegal flow of weapons into Libya, the key to the embargo's success will be the international community coming together to prevent the illicit flow of arms, weapons and mercenaries.
Now I am not going to talk about our degree of success against specific targets but our position remains as it was yesterday - we are satisfied that our attacks, and those of our partners, have been highly effective in degrading the Libyan air defence and command and control capability, as part of our setting the conditions to enforce the no fly zone as required UNSCR 1973.
Thank you very much.
Source
Speech delivered by Chief of Defence Staff, Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer at Ministry of Defence, Main Building, London on Monday 21 March 2011.
Good afternoon; I am Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer and the MOD's Media Spokesman on operations.
I would like to update you on Operation ELLAMY, which is the name for the United Kingdom's military support to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. The operation has entered its third day, after a second night that saw British Forces in action in support of the Resolution. Meanwhile, the Coalition continues to build, and each country will make its own announcements at the appropriate time. They join, amongst others, us, France, Canada, Belgium, Italy and the United States.
First, I'll give you a short overview of the rationale for the operation, then brief on last night's maritime and air operations.
Now, on March 19, Colonel Gaddafi's forces launched an attack on Benghazi, shelling residential suburbs. Mustafa Abdul Jalil, Head of the opposition Interim Transitional National Council in Benghazi, said the city had been bombarded with artillery and rockets, and eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing government tanks inside the city. Numerous civilian casualties, including children, the elderly and women have been reported.
Air strikes by the United States, the United Kingdom and France to enforce a No-Fly Zone succeeded in stopping the artillery assault on Benghazi. But on the evening of 19 March about 200 pro-Gaddafi Revolutionary Committee forces were said to be targeting anti-Gaddafi forces in the streets of the city. Opposition sources are now saying that Colonel Gaddafi is withdrawing his troops from Benghazi and increasing attacks elsewhere in the country.
In Misrata, Colonel Gaddafi's forces have launched artillery and tank bombardments against the city over the weekend, causing dozens of injuries and damage to electricity and water supplies. Fighting continued on 20 March with reports that pro-Gaddafi forces had entered the city with tanks, and that naval vessels in the port were preventing aid from landing.
Although the Libyan authorities again claimed a ceasefire yesterday, there has been no evidence to suggest that there has been any change in the stance of the Libyan military, and, as the Prime Minister has said, we will continue to judge Colonel Gaddafi on his actions; and our assessment is that he is in breach of these obligations, so we will continue to enforce the Resolution.
Now let me move onto last night's operations.
You will be interested, I'm sure, in the missile attacks that were called off overnight. The plan was to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles from our submarine, and Stormshadows from our Tornado GR4s last night. Our targets formed part of the command and control systems of the Libyan military including their air defence systems. The initial attack came from one of our Trafalgar Class submarines (operating in the Mediterranean) firing Tomahawks; these were launched and successfully attacked the intended targets. Despite Libyan reports and claims to the contrary we are not aware of any civilian casualties.
Then later last night, the plan was to attack other targets, with Stormshadow, a mission undertaken by Tornados flying from RAF Marham - a return journey of some 3000 miles. However, after the Tornados had taken off, we learned that there were civilians in the area. We therefore took the decision to call off the attack and the Tornado aircraft returned to base with all their missiles. Now this clearly demonstrates that we take all measures possible to reduce the chances of harming innocent civilians. And despite what you might see from the Libyan authorities, we have no evidence to suggest that we have caused innocent civilian casualties.
Moving onto other developments. We now have Typhoon aircraft based at the Italian Air Force base Gioia del Colle (Joya dell collay). They arrived there yesterday afternoon, and these aircraft are from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Leuchars in Fife. They will operate from Gioia Del Colle in southern Italy as part of the Coalition's enforcement of the No Fly Zone. This group of aircraft and their support have formed up as 906 Expeditionary Air Wing and they will be supported by 907 Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. 907 Wing comprises VC10, Nimrod R1 and Sentinel aircraft providing air-to-air refuelling and reconnaissance capabilities. C-17 and C-130 aircraft have also been used to assist in the build up of our deployed forces.
Looking ahead, we expect to deploy Tornado aircraft to Gioia del Colle very soon.
Turning to British maritime forces in the Mediterranean, HMS Westminster remains off the coast of Libya and HMS Cumberland is in the region ready to support operations. Once the NATO planning process is complete, they could contribute to ensuring the arms embargo is upheld. Indeed, NATO Navies and Air Forces are experienced in maritime security operations in the Mediterranean for example through Operation Active Endeavour. Our Trafalgar class submarine remains on alert in the operating area.
Those ships and aircraft in the region are part of a layered defence against the illegal flow of weapons into Libya, the key to the embargo's success will be the international community coming together to prevent the illicit flow of arms, weapons and mercenaries.
Now I am not going to talk about our degree of success against specific targets but our position remains as it was yesterday - we are satisfied that our attacks, and those of our partners, have been highly effective in degrading the Libyan air defence and command and control capability, as part of our setting the conditions to enforce the no fly zone as required UNSCR 1973.
Thank you very much.
Source
Coalition operations in Libya to continue
A Military Operations news article
21 Mar 11
Colonel Gaddafi is still in breach of the UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Libya so the coalition will continue operations, Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer said today, Monday 21 March 2011.
General Lorimer was speaking as he briefed the media earlier this afternoon on Operation ELLAMY, the name for the United Kingdom's military support to United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. He was joined by Air Vice-Marshal Phil Osborn, Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, and by Captain Karl Evans, Naval Staff Operations.
General Lorimer said that air strikes on Saturday 19 March by the United States, the United Kingdom and France to enforce a no-fly zone succeeded in stopping the artillery assault on Benghazi.
He said that on that day Colonel Gaddafi's forces launched an attack on Benghazi, shelling residential suburbs. Eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing government tanks inside the city. Numerous civilian casualties, including children, the elderly and women have been reported.
That evening, about 200 pro-Gaddafi Revolutionary Committee forces were said to be targeting anti-Gaddafi forces in the streets of the city.
Opposition sources are now saying that Colonel Gaddafi is withdrawing his troops from Benghazi and increasing attacks elsewhere in the country.
Over the weekend, in Misurata, Colonel Gaddafi's forces launched artillery and tank bombardments, causing dozens of injuries and damage to electricity and water supplies. Fighting continued on 20 March with reports that pro-Gaddafi forces had entered the city with tanks, and that naval vessels in the port were preventing aid from landing.
Although the Libyan authorities again claimed a ceasefire yesterday, Sunday 20 March, there has been no evidence to suggest that there has been any change in the stance of the Libyan military.
General Lorimer pointed out that Prime Minister David Cameron said Colonel Gaddafi would continue to be judged by his actions. The current assessment is that he is in breach of his obligations, so the coalition will continue to enforce the resolution.
Speaking about the UK attack on Libyan defence assets last night, Sunday 20 March, General Lorimer said:
"The plan was to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles from our submarine, and Storm Shadows from our Tornado GR4s last night. Our targets formed part of the command and control systems of the Libyan military, including their air defence systems.
"The initial attack came from one of our Trafalgar Class submarines [operating in the Mediterranean] firing Tomahawks; these were launched and successfully attacked the intended targets. Despite Libyan reports and claims to the contrary we are not aware of any civilian casualties.
"Then later last night, the plan was to attack other targets, with Storm Shadows, a mission undertaken by Tornados flying from RAF Marham - a return journey of some 3,000 miles [4,800km].
"However, after the Tornados had taken off, we learned that there were civilians in the area. We therefore took the decision to call off the attack and the Tornado aircraft returned to base with all their missiles.
"Now this clearly demonstrates that we take all measures possible to reduce the chances of harming innocent civilians. And despite what you might see from the Libyan authorities, we have no evidence to suggest that we have caused innocent civilian casualties."
AVM Osborn said that the mission, which was the first of its kind to launch from the UK since 1945, showed the UK aircrews' exceptional skill and judgement under pressure.
General Lorimer continued:
"We now have Typhoon aircraft based at the Italian Air Force base Gioia del Colle. They arrived there yesterday afternoon, and these aircraft are from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Leuchars in Fife.
"They will operate from Gioia del Colle in southern Italy as part of the coalition's enforcement of the no-fly zone. This group of aircraft and their support have formed up as 906 Expeditionary Air Wing and they will be supported by 907 Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
"907 Wing comprises VC10, Nimrod R1 and Sentinel aircraft providing air-to-air refuelling and reconnaissance capabilities. C-17 and C-130 aircraft have also been used to assist in the build up of our deployed forces.
"Looking ahead, we expect to deploy Tornado aircraft to Gioia del Colle very soon."
AVM Osborn said that from today, Monday 21 March, operations would start to switch to a forward presence and an even more substantive commitment to the area of operations:
"Operations in support of UNSCR 1973 will depend on three key activities; intelligence and situational awareness, control of the air, and attack in accordance with UNSCR 1973," he said.
Captain Karl Evans, a submarine commanding officer who has served in a Trafalgar Class submarine similar to the one currently involved in these operations, said:
"There are three naval units of significance in support of the mission; the Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster, Type 22 frigate HMS Cumberland, and the Trafalgar Class submarine [T-Boat].
"The T-Boat was involved last night, for a second night, in a missile strike and we are fully prepared to sustain that capability for as long as it is required. For as long as that submarine is there we have the ability to reach targets within 1,000 miles [1,600km], and to deliver with precision 1,000-pound [454kg] munitions."
The role of the surface ships, having played their part in evacuating people from Libya, will now be in assisting in providing situational awareness to the allied forces:
"It's also true to say that the UNSC resolution requires us to protect the Libyans from Gaddafi's forces in all environments," said Captain Evans. "We have previously seen Libyan surface ships used to shell shore positions. That's something that's now stopped. Our ships and their capabilities may well be a factor in why that's stopped."
Once the NATO planning process is complete, the maritime forces could contribute to ensuring the arms embargo is upheld, said General Lorimer:
"Indeed, NATO navies and air forces are experienced in maritime security operations in the Mediterranean, for example through Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR. Our Trafalgar Class submarine remains on alert in the operating area.
"Those ships and aircraft in the region are part of a layered defence against the illegal flow of weapons into Libya; the key to the embargo's success will be the international community coming together to prevent the illicit flow of arms, weapons and mercenaries."
Due to operational security, the General did not detail the degree of success against specific targets:
"But our position remains as it was yesterday," he said. "We are satisfied that our attacks, and those of our partners, have been highly effective in degrading the Libyan air defence and command and control capability, as part of our setting the conditions to enforce the no-fly zone as required under UNSCR 1973," he said.
Source
21 Mar 11
Colonel Gaddafi is still in breach of the UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Libya so the coalition will continue operations, Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer said today, Monday 21 March 2011.
General Lorimer was speaking as he briefed the media earlier this afternoon on Operation ELLAMY, the name for the United Kingdom's military support to United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. He was joined by Air Vice-Marshal Phil Osborn, Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, and by Captain Karl Evans, Naval Staff Operations.
General Lorimer said that air strikes on Saturday 19 March by the United States, the United Kingdom and France to enforce a no-fly zone succeeded in stopping the artillery assault on Benghazi.
He said that on that day Colonel Gaddafi's forces launched an attack on Benghazi, shelling residential suburbs. Eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing government tanks inside the city. Numerous civilian casualties, including children, the elderly and women have been reported.
That evening, about 200 pro-Gaddafi Revolutionary Committee forces were said to be targeting anti-Gaddafi forces in the streets of the city.
Opposition sources are now saying that Colonel Gaddafi is withdrawing his troops from Benghazi and increasing attacks elsewhere in the country.
Over the weekend, in Misurata, Colonel Gaddafi's forces launched artillery and tank bombardments, causing dozens of injuries and damage to electricity and water supplies. Fighting continued on 20 March with reports that pro-Gaddafi forces had entered the city with tanks, and that naval vessels in the port were preventing aid from landing.
Although the Libyan authorities again claimed a ceasefire yesterday, Sunday 20 March, there has been no evidence to suggest that there has been any change in the stance of the Libyan military.
General Lorimer pointed out that Prime Minister David Cameron said Colonel Gaddafi would continue to be judged by his actions. The current assessment is that he is in breach of his obligations, so the coalition will continue to enforce the resolution.
Speaking about the UK attack on Libyan defence assets last night, Sunday 20 March, General Lorimer said:
"The plan was to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles from our submarine, and Storm Shadows from our Tornado GR4s last night. Our targets formed part of the command and control systems of the Libyan military, including their air defence systems.
"The initial attack came from one of our Trafalgar Class submarines [operating in the Mediterranean] firing Tomahawks; these were launched and successfully attacked the intended targets. Despite Libyan reports and claims to the contrary we are not aware of any civilian casualties.
"Then later last night, the plan was to attack other targets, with Storm Shadows, a mission undertaken by Tornados flying from RAF Marham - a return journey of some 3,000 miles [4,800km].
"However, after the Tornados had taken off, we learned that there were civilians in the area. We therefore took the decision to call off the attack and the Tornado aircraft returned to base with all their missiles.
"Now this clearly demonstrates that we take all measures possible to reduce the chances of harming innocent civilians. And despite what you might see from the Libyan authorities, we have no evidence to suggest that we have caused innocent civilian casualties."
AVM Osborn said that the mission, which was the first of its kind to launch from the UK since 1945, showed the UK aircrews' exceptional skill and judgement under pressure.
General Lorimer continued:
"We now have Typhoon aircraft based at the Italian Air Force base Gioia del Colle. They arrived there yesterday afternoon, and these aircraft are from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Leuchars in Fife.
"They will operate from Gioia del Colle in southern Italy as part of the coalition's enforcement of the no-fly zone. This group of aircraft and their support have formed up as 906 Expeditionary Air Wing and they will be supported by 907 Expeditionary Air Wing based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
"907 Wing comprises VC10, Nimrod R1 and Sentinel aircraft providing air-to-air refuelling and reconnaissance capabilities. C-17 and C-130 aircraft have also been used to assist in the build up of our deployed forces.
"Looking ahead, we expect to deploy Tornado aircraft to Gioia del Colle very soon."
AVM Osborn said that from today, Monday 21 March, operations would start to switch to a forward presence and an even more substantive commitment to the area of operations:
"Operations in support of UNSCR 1973 will depend on three key activities; intelligence and situational awareness, control of the air, and attack in accordance with UNSCR 1973," he said.
Captain Karl Evans, a submarine commanding officer who has served in a Trafalgar Class submarine similar to the one currently involved in these operations, said:
"There are three naval units of significance in support of the mission; the Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster, Type 22 frigate HMS Cumberland, and the Trafalgar Class submarine [T-Boat].
"The T-Boat was involved last night, for a second night, in a missile strike and we are fully prepared to sustain that capability for as long as it is required. For as long as that submarine is there we have the ability to reach targets within 1,000 miles [1,600km], and to deliver with precision 1,000-pound [454kg] munitions."
The role of the surface ships, having played their part in evacuating people from Libya, will now be in assisting in providing situational awareness to the allied forces:
"It's also true to say that the UNSC resolution requires us to protect the Libyans from Gaddafi's forces in all environments," said Captain Evans. "We have previously seen Libyan surface ships used to shell shore positions. That's something that's now stopped. Our ships and their capabilities may well be a factor in why that's stopped."
Once the NATO planning process is complete, the maritime forces could contribute to ensuring the arms embargo is upheld, said General Lorimer:
"Indeed, NATO navies and air forces are experienced in maritime security operations in the Mediterranean, for example through Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR. Our Trafalgar Class submarine remains on alert in the operating area.
"Those ships and aircraft in the region are part of a layered defence against the illegal flow of weapons into Libya; the key to the embargo's success will be the international community coming together to prevent the illicit flow of arms, weapons and mercenaries."
Due to operational security, the General did not detail the degree of success against specific targets:
"But our position remains as it was yesterday," he said. "We are satisfied that our attacks, and those of our partners, have been highly effective in degrading the Libyan air defence and command and control capability, as part of our setting the conditions to enforce the no-fly zone as required under UNSCR 1973," he said.
Source
Updated: Second UK strike against Libyan defence assets
A Military Operations news article
21 Mar 11
British Armed Forces participated in another co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems last night, Sunday 20 March 2011.
The Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer, said yesterday:
"I can confirm that British Armed Forces have participated in another co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems.
"For a second time, the UK has launched guided Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles from a Trafalgar Class submarine in the Mediterranean as part of a co-ordinated coalition plan to enforce the resolution.
"We and our international partners are continuing operations in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973."
UPDATE
Speaking this morning (21 March) about last night's mission, Major General Lorimer added:
"As the RAF GR4 Tornados moved into the area, further information came to light that identified a number of civilians within the intended target area. As a result the decision was taken not to launch weapons. This decision underlines the UK's commitment to the protection of civilians."
It has also now been confirmed that a number of Typhoon aircraft have landed safely at the Gioia del Colle air base in southern Italy, where they are on standby for future tasking.
RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus continues to support the operation under UN Security Council Resolution 1973 with a number of assets, including E-3D Sentry, VC10 and Sentinel aircraft.
Source
21 Mar 11
British Armed Forces participated in another co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems last night, Sunday 20 March 2011.
The Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer, said yesterday:
"I can confirm that British Armed Forces have participated in another co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems.
"For a second time, the UK has launched guided Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles from a Trafalgar Class submarine in the Mediterranean as part of a co-ordinated coalition plan to enforce the resolution.
"We and our international partners are continuing operations in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973."
UPDATE
Speaking this morning (21 March) about last night's mission, Major General Lorimer added:
"As the RAF GR4 Tornados moved into the area, further information came to light that identified a number of civilians within the intended target area. As a result the decision was taken not to launch weapons. This decision underlines the UK's commitment to the protection of civilians."
It has also now been confirmed that a number of Typhoon aircraft have landed safely at the Gioia del Colle air base in southern Italy, where they are on standby for future tasking.
RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus continues to support the operation under UN Security Council Resolution 1973 with a number of assets, including E-3D Sentry, VC10 and Sentinel aircraft.
Source
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