HC Deb 02 May 1986 vol 96 cc499-500W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Prime Minister whether she will publish in the Official Report the list of targets in Libya bombed by planes stationed in Britain, the objective in each case and the degree of success achieved.

The Prime Minister

The Pentagon has issued a full list of the targets selected for attack in the operation against Libya. The five targets were:

  1. 1. The Aziziyah barracks in Tripoli
  2. 2. The Al Jamahiriyah barracks in Benghazi
  3. 3. The Sidi Balal port facility
  4. 4. Tripoli military airfield
  5. 5. Benina military airfield

F111s from bases in the United Kingdom attacked those targets in the Tripoli area. The objective was to strike clearly defined targets demonstrably involved in the conduct and support of terrorist activities. We understand that this was broadly achieved.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Prime Minister if she will specify the numbers and types of all American aircraft used from United Kingdom bases in connection with the United States raid on Libya.

The Prime Minister

As has been said on previous occasions, the type of aircraft, other than tankers, deployed from United Kingdom bases for this purpose was the F111. The detailed operational arrangements were for the United States within the strict criteria set down for the selection of targets.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Prime Minister what is the latest estimate of the number of terrorists killed during the United States attack on Libya from United Kingdom bases.

The Prime Minister

The United States made clear its intention was to attack clearly defined targets related to terrorism. The United States Government have stated that all five targets were successfully attacked. Aircraft from bases in Britain were involved in attacks in the Tripoli area only. We do not have a detailed breakdown of the casualties incurred.

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