UK warplanes attack Libyan targets

Tornado and Typhoon planes pounded the targets while Apache helicopter gunships based on HMS Ocean launched Hellfire missiles to destroy two large military vehicle sheds near Al Khums during a night-time raid.

MoD spokesman Major General Nick Pope said today: "Our aircraft also struck five multiple rocket launcher systems and a pair of heavy infantry weapon positions in the area.

"HMS Iron Duke took action against artillery positions which she observed firing towards Misratah.

"A number of high explosive rounds from her 4.5in gun quickly silenced the regime's guns."

Maj Gen Pope revealed the RAF and Royal Navy's latest involvement as part of Nato's enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 to protect Libyan civilians, which the MoD codenames Operation Ellamy.

He said Tornados and Typhoons launched a wave of "precision strikes" against a large military vehicle depot on the outskirts of Tripoli earlier this week.

"At around the same time, other RAF jets conducted a surgical strike on the military antenna at Tripoli airport, the use of Brimstone missiles allowing the effect of the attack to be confined to just the military installation," said Maj Gen Pope.

Hours later planes patrolling the skies above Zlitan bombed a mortar position.

Maj Gen Pope said Apaches had launched night-time sorties from the Ocean, supported by Sea King helicopters.

He added: "The targets were a vehicle check point and a group of buildings which previous Nato surveillance missions established as being used by regime forces.

"Hellfire missiles were successfully used to destroy the group of six buildings, as well as a large building at the check point."