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British jets bomb tanks, ammunition bunkers

Tornado GR4s flying from Britain and refuelled mid-air conducted strike missions against ammunition bunkers in Libyan leaderMuammar Gaddafi’s southern stronghold of Sebha, the Ministry of Defence said.

“Storm Shadow missiles were launched against ammunition bunkers used to re-supply Libyan government troops attacking civilians in the north of the country, including Misrata,” it said in a statement.

“Initial reports suggest that the bunkers have been destroyed and that the Libyan government has been denied ammunition it uses to threaten civilians in the north of the country.”

Over the weekend, Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado jets had fired on numerous targets around the key eastern city of Ajdabiya, which rebels seized from Gaddafi’s forces on Saturday.

The planes also attacked targets near the disputed port city of Misrata in the west and were continuing to patrol the area on Monday, the ministry said.

“Ordnance released hit a total of 22 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery pieces in the vicinity of Ajdabiya and Misrata,” the statement said.

It added: “Following the retreat of Colonel Gaddafi’s forces from most of the coastal towns east of Sirte, RAF Tornados have joined other coalition aircraft patrolling over Misrata where, despite significant losses as a result of air strikes, the regime continues to mount attacks on the town.”

Britain is part of an international coalition taking action to enforce a United Nations-sanctioned ceasefire and no-fly zone to protect civilians in Libya.

Foreign ministers from at least 35 countries are due to meet in London on Tuesday to discuss the operation, which has passed under NATO control.