RAF hits Gaddafi missile launchers

RAF Tornado fighter planes have destroyed missile launchers in Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's home town
12 April 2012

RAF fighter planes have destroyed missile launchers during a bombing raid on dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's home town, the Ministry of Defence said.

Two Tornado planes attacked FROG-7 rocket launchers and canisters used to carry Scud missiles on Friday morning at the site near the city of Sirte.

The FROG-7 can fire rockets up to 70km and would pose a serious threat to civilians if used against an urban area, said the MoD. Scud missiles strike targets up to 300km away and can carry a one-tonne warhead.

The targets were identified during previous reconnaissance flights.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: "I have no doubt that this stockpile of weapons could have been used to threaten and kill innocent Libyans.

"We continue to degrade and destroy a range of military assets including tanks, armoured personnel carriers and rocket launchers that threaten the civilian population.

"This hugely successful mission is an example of how we are stepping up our strikes on Gaddafi's forces that continue to attack the Libyan people. The international coalition is resolute in its UN-mandated task of protecting the civilian population."

Around 30 to 40 Scud canisters used to transport Scud missiles were struck in the raid.

The UK is operating alongside other Nato countries to destroy the ability of Gaddafi's forces to inflict harm on the people of Libya.

Nato aircraft have flown more than 5,300 sorties since the no-fly zone was put in place in March.

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