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.