1986 United States bombing of Libya

Strategic Planning And Logistics

The attack mission had been preceded in October 1985 by an exercise called Operation Ghost Rider. The 20th TFW stationed at RAF Upper Heyford airbase in UK received top-secret order to launch simulated attack on the 18th of October. Ten F-111Es armed with eight 500-lb practice bombs flew against simulated airfield in Labrador Canada south of CFB Goose Bay. Mission completed successfully except one aircraft that had all but one bomb hang up on wing racks. Lessons learned passed to 48th TFW equipped with newer F-111F model. In August 1985 six specially trained B-52H crews designated Advanced Conventional Taskforce. They trained at specialized low-level conventional bombing missions including first use of Night Vision Goggles by B-52 crews. These crews delivered six strings of MK-117 munitions seconds apart with pinpoint accuracy from North Dakota. Special mission unit dropped more live ordnance in Nevada and Utah test ranges than since Vietnam War conclusion. Elements of then-secret 4450th Tactical Group put on standby for strike mission. Over 30 F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft already delivered to Tactical Air Command operating from Tonopah Test Range Airport in Nevada. European Command senior officers knew nothing about stealth capabilities or existence of aircraft. Within hour planned launch Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger scrubbed stealth mission fearing compromise. Air strike carried out with conventional U.S. Navy and USAF aircraft instead. F-117 remained completely unknown to world until unveiled in 1988 during Operation Desert Storm coverage. United States denied overflight rights by France Spain and Italy plus use of European continental bases. USAF portion flown around France and Spain over Portugal through Straits of Gibraltar adding 1,300 miles each way requiring multiple aerial refuelings. French refusal alone added 2,800 km distance. French President François Mitterrand refused clearance because US interested in limited action while France wanted removal of Gaddafi from power. Another factor was last-minute failure to participate in retaliatory air raid on Iranian positions after 1983 Beirut barracks bombings.

Execution Of The Raid

After several unproductive days meetings with European and Arab nations Ronald Reagan ordered air raid on following Libyan targets on the 14th of April. Targets included Bab al-Azizia Barracks in Tripoli serving as command center for overseas operations. Murrat Sidi Bilal in Tripoli served as training camp for naval commandos and combat frogmen. Mitiga International Airport used by Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft. Jamahiriyah Guard barracks in Benghazi contained warehouse for storage of MiG aircraft components. Benina International Airport used as base by defending fighters. Only General Dynamics F-111 and A-6 Intruder possessed ability attack at night with required precision among operational tactical aircraft. Eighteen A-6s aboard carriers could not carry enough bombs simultaneously inflict desired damage on five selected targets. Twenty-eight KC-10 Extenders and Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers took off from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Fairford shortly after 19:00 Washington time on the 14th of April. Tankers conducted four silent refueling operations over round-trip route F-111s flew to target. Within minutes followed by twenty-four F-111F strike aircraft of 48th Tactical Fighter Wing flying from RAF Lakenheath. Five EF-111A Ravens of 20th Tactical Fighter Wing came from RAF Upper Heyford. Six F-111s and one EF-111 designated spares returned to base after first refueling without system failures. One F-111F had flameout of engine upon takeoff ordered back to base. NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft flying out of Trapani air base in Italy provided airborne surveillance. Raid began early hours of the 15th of April with stated objectives sending message reducing Libya's ability support train terrorists. Coordinated jamming by EF-111s and EA-6B Prowlers began at 01:54 Libyan time as A-7Es and F/A-18As launched AGM-88 HARM and AGM-45 Shrike missiles for suppression enemy air defenses. Attack lasted about twelve minutes with 60 tons munitions dropped. Rules engagement required target identification by both radar and Pave Tack prior bomb release minimize collateral damage. Of nine F-111s targeting Bab al-Azizia only three placed GBU-10 Paveway II bombs on target. One F-111 shot down by Libyan SAM over Gulf of Sidra. One F-111's bombs missed barracks striking diplomatic civilian sites Tripoli narrowly missing French embassy. All three F-111s assigned Sidi Bilal released GBU-10 bombs on target. One six F-111s assigned bomb Tripoli airfield aborted mission terrain-following radar malfunction remaining five dropped BSU-49 high drag bombs destroying two Il-76 transport aircraft. Americas A-6s damaged Jamahiriyah MiG assembly warehouse destroyed four MiG shipping crates. Two A-6s from Coral Sea aborted mission but five struck Benina airfield destroying three or four MiGs two Mil Mi-8 helicopters one Fokker F27 Friendship transport small straight-wing aircraft Boeing 727 reportedly destroyed during Benina strike.

Casualties And Losses

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi family rushed out residence Bab al-Azizia compound moments before bombs dropped forewarned telephone call Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici Malta Prime Minister. Bonnici made aware presence American strike force by Italian Prime Minister Bettino Craxi latter nation detected then-unidentified aircraft off West coast Sicily scrambled flight F-104 Starfighters intercept discover strike force presence warned away pilots obvious American accents. According medical staff nearby hospital two dozen casualties brought wearing military uniforms two without uniforms. Total Libyan casualties estimated at 60 including those bombed airbases. Infant girl among casualties body shown American reporters told she was Gaddafi's recently adopted daughter Hana. However much skepticism remains over claim. She may not have died adoption posthumous he may have adopted second daughter given same name after first one died. Two U.S. Air Force captains Fernando L. Ribas-Dominicci and Paul F. Lorence killed when their F-111 fighter-bomber callsign Karma-52 shot down. Evidence indicates plane shot down just shore dropping bombs. Libya soon recovered body Captain Ribas-Dominicci did not return United States until 1989. Autopsy determined cause death drowning not massive physical trauma. Eyewitness accounts several aviators saw explosion descent fireball sea support conclusion Karma-52 shot down SAM or AAA. Hours following attack U.S. military refused speculate whether fighter-bomber shot down Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger suggesting radio trouble diverted another airfield. Next day Pentagon announced no longer searching F-111 believed downed Libyan missile. On the 25th of December 1988 Gaddafi offered release body Lorence family through Pope John Paul II. Body returned 1989 identified Ribas-Dominicci from dental records. Autopsy conducted Spain confirmed drowned plane shot down Gulf of Sidra. Libya denies held Lorence's body. Lorence brother said mother saw television footage Libyan holding white helmet name Lorence stenciled back. William C. Chasey toured Bab al-Azizia barracks claimed seen two flight suits helmets engraved names Lorence Ribas-Dominicci wreckage F-111. Gaddafi declared raid Libyan victory stated three American planes shot down but Karma-52 only one failed return base.

International Diplomatic Fallout

Attack condemned many countries vote 79 favor 28 against 33 abstentions United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 41/38 condemning military attack perpetrated Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya the 15th of April 1986 violation Charter United Nations international law. Meeting Non-Aligned Movement condemned dastardly blatant unprovoked act aggression. League Arab States expressed outraged United States aggression reinforced element anarchy international relations. Assembly Heads State African Union deliberate attempt kill Libyans violated principles international law. Government Iran asserted attack constituted policy aggression gunboat diplomacy act war called extensive political economic boycott United States. Others saw United States motive attempt eliminate Libya revolution China stated U.S. attack violated norms international relations aggravated tension region Soviet Union clear link attack U.S. policy aimed stirring existing hotbeds tension creating new ones destabilizing international situation West Germany international disputes required diplomatic not military solutions France criticized bombing. Some observers held opinion Article 51 UN Charter set limitations use force exercising legitimate right self-defense absence act aggression affirmed no such act Libya charged United States did not exhaust Charter provisions settling disputes under Article 33. Wall Street Journal protested if nations applied Article 51 cavalierly as United States Nicaraguan government reasonably predicting U.S. planning attack territory right bomb Washington. British Shadow Foreign Secretary Denis Healey told ABC News by same rationale defense future attack Britain could bomb apartment blocks New York Chicago ground contained people sending money military supplies Irish Republican Army. Reagan Administration subscribed limitations Legal Advisor State Department Abraham Sofaer argued American attacked because American punish coerce accepting political position attack sufficient interest justify extending protection necessary proportionate actions. Moreover Administration maintained legality actions under 1973 War Powers Resolution. Sofaer testified Administration expectation Freedom Navigation operation Gulf Sidra result combat notified Congress within forty-eight hours hostilities occurred consulted congressional leaders prior bombing despite potential risk information leak. Libyan citizens killed injured bombing raid using British air bases brought suit under international law against United Kingdom United States federal court lawsuit dismissed frivolous subsequent appeal denied monetary sanctions Clark allowed Saltany v. Reagan 886 F. 2d 438 D.C. Cir. 1989. Every year between at least 1994 and 2006 United Nations General Assembly scheduled declaration Organization African Unity about incident systematically deferred discussion year after year formally putting aside along several other issues rescheduled years 2005.

Retaliatory Terrorism And Aftermath

Gaddafi announced won spectacular military victory over United States country officially renamed Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah. Gaddafi said reconciliation Libya United States impossible long Reagan White House described him mad foolish Israeli dog. He had plans attack United States U.S. targets claimed Reagan wanted kill him stating attack concentrated house inside house rescued family. When asked danger losing power said reports writings true fine no change country. Government Libya charged United States fallen prey arrogance madness power want become world policeman. Charged party not agree become American vassal outlaw terrorist devil. Gaddafi quashed internal revolt organization blamed United States appeared left public sphere time 1986 1987. Libyan Post dedicated several postage stamps issues event from 1986 until 2001 first issue released the 13th of July last issue released the 15th of April 2001. Libya responded firing two Scud missiles United States Coast Guard station Italian island Lampedusa fell short island landed sea. There limited change Libyan-connected terrorism. Libyan government alleged ordered hijacking Pan Am Flight 73 Pakistan the 5th of September 1986 resulted deaths 20 people allegation came light reported Sunday Times March 2004 days British Prime Minister Tony Blair paid first official visit Tripoli Western leader generation. October 1986 Gaddafi financed Jeff Fort Al-Rukn faction Chicago Black P. Stones gang emergence anti-American armed revolutionary movement. Al-Rukn members arrested preparing strikes behalf Libya including blowing US government buildings bringing airplane convicted 1987 offering commit bombings assassinations US soil Libyan payment. May 1987 Australia expelled diplomats broke relations claiming Libya sought fuel violence Australia Oceania. Late 1987 French authorities stopped merchant vessel MV Eksund attempting deliver 150 tons Soviet arms Libya Irish Republican IRA partly retaliation against British harboring American fighter planes. Beirut Lebanon two British hostages held Libyan-supported Abu Nidal Organization Leigh Douglas Philip Padfield along American Peter Kilburn shot dead revenge. Journalist John McCarthy kidnapped tourist Paul Appleby murdered Jerusalem. Another British hostage Alec Collett killed retaliation bombing Libya. Collett shown hanged video tape body found November 2009. On the 21st of December 1988 Libya bombed Pan Am Flight 103 exploded mid-air crashed town Lockerbie Scotland bomb detonated killing 259 people aboard 11 people Lockerbie. Iran initially thought responsible downing Iran Air flight 655 American missile cruiser USS Vincennes Persian Gulf 1991 two Libyans charged one convicted crime controversial judgement the 31st of January 2001. Libyan Government accepted responsibility Pan Am Flight 103 bombing the 29th of May 2002 offered $2.7 billion compensate families 270 victims. Convicted Libyan Abdelbaset al-Megrahi suffering terminal prostate cancer released August 2009 Scottish Government compassionate grounds died 2012. May 2014 group relatives Lockerbie victims continued campaign al-Megrahi name cleared reopening case.

Legal Settlements And Legacy

On the 28th of May 2008 United States began negotiations Libya comprehensive claims settlement agreement resolve outstanding claims American Libyan nationals against country respective courts. Gaddafi son Saif al-Islam publicly announced agreement negotiated July year. On the 14th of August 2008 resulting U.S.-Libya Comprehensive Claims Settlement Agreement signed Tripoli Assistant Secretary State Near Eastern Affairs David Welch Libyan Secretary American Affairs Ahmad Fituri. October 2008 Libya paid US$1.5 billion three installments $300 million the 9th of October 2008 $600 million the 30th of October 2008 US$600 million the 31st of October 2008 fund used compensate following victims relatives Lockerbie bombing victims given additional US$2 million after having paid US$8 million earlier. American victims 1986 West Berlin discotheque bombing American victims 1989 UTA Flight 772 bombing Libyan victims 1986 U.S. bombing Tripoli Benghazi. Pay settlement Libya demanded US$1.5 billion global oil companies operating Libya's oil fields threat serious consequences leases. Settlement partially funded several companies including some based United States chose cooperate Libya demand. On the 4th of August 2008 President George W. Bush signed law Libyan Claims Resolution Act unanimously passed Congress the 31st of July. Act provided restoration Libya sovereign diplomatic official immunities before U.S. courts Secretary State certified United States Government received sufficient funds resolve outstanding terrorism-related death physical injury claims against Libya. On the 14th of August 2008 United States Libya signed comprehensive claims settlement agreement Full diplomatic relations restored two nations. English alternative band The The 1986 album Infected features song Sweet Bird Truth tells fictionalized story US pilot Libya bombing raids continues popular song live tours. In 1986 hardcore punk band Meatmen referred lack French cooperation raid song French People Suck French people suck just gotta say made jet fighter pilots fly way song appears album Rock & Roll Juggernaut Caroline Records. In 1987 Neil Young wrote Mideast Vacation song live album Life about bombing. Roger Waters third studio album Amused Death songs Late Home Tonight Part I Late Home Tonight Part II recall bombing perspective ordinary wives young American F-111 pilot. Nelson DeMille book Lion Game published 2000 detailed but fictionalized description attack point view one book main protagonists.

What date did the United States Air Force carry out air strikes against Libya?

The United States Air Force carried out air strikes against Libya on the 15th of April 1986. This operation followed the West Berlin discotheque bombing ten days earlier.

Who was the U.S. president who ordered the 1986 military operation in Libya?

U.S. president Ronald Reagan ordered the air raid on Libyan targets on the 14th of April. He blamed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for the West Berlin discotheque bombing that occurred ten days prior to the strike.

Which countries refused overflight rights during the 1986 United States bombing of Libya?

The United States denied overflight rights by France, Spain, and Italy plus use of European continental bases. French President François Mitterrand refused clearance because the US interested in limited action while France wanted removal of Gaddafi from power.

How many people died in the 1986 United States bombing of Libya?

Total Libyan casualties estimated at 60 including those bombed airbases. The attack killed three people including two U.S. servicemen and a Turkish woman in the preceding West Berlin discotheque bombing.

When did the United States sign a comprehensive claims settlement agreement with Libya?

On the 14th of August 2008 the United States and Libya signed a comprehensive claims settlement agreement in Tripoli. Full diplomatic relations were restored between the two nations following this event.

1986 United States bombing of Libya.