On 5 April 1986 terrorist supported by the government of Libya detonated a bomb in a Berlin night club causing the death of one American soldier and injuries to several others. The United States government has proof that this incident was directed by Libya's Qadhafi. In addition, evidence is mounting that the government of Libya is attempting to develop a global terrorism campaign against Americans and US interests. The Department of Defense has been directed to execute retaliatory operations as a result of these developments.
The Libyan Air Force consists mostly of modern Soviet fighters: MiG-23 (Floggers), MiG-25 (Foxbat), and Su-22 (Fitter). They also have a few squadrons of French Mirage fighters. However, the Libyan Air Force rarely flies at night. The rare night flights they conduct are done by contractor pilots.
Libyan air defenses consist of Soviet radars and SAM systems and some French Crotale SAMS. Both Tripoli and Benghazi have an integrated air defense network consisting of multiple SA-2 (Guideline) and SA-3 (Goa) SAMS. These will be supported by shorter range SA-6 (Gainful), SA-9 (Gaskin), and Crotales SAMS and more AAA than you can count. There is also an SA-5 (Gammon) around Sirte that may be able to engage the F-111's heading for Tripoli International Airport.
Inflict damage to headquarters associated with terrorist activities, terrorist facilities, and military installations that support Libyan subversive activities.
US Navy carrier battle groups will make speed runs from the Tyrrhenian Sea to approximately 200 miles north of assigned targets.
USS America aircraft will hit targets in Tripoli, while aircraft operating from the USS Coral Sea will strike targets around Benghazi.
D-Day: 14 April 1986.
Desired TOT Window: Hours of darkness not earlier than 0000Z 15 April (0200 Libya time 15 April 1900 Washington time 14 April).
Normal peacetime rules of engagement apply with the following additions.
Minimize collateral damage. Make every reasonable attempt to limit damage to other than designated military targets.
Aircraft will abort if all combat systems are not fully operational.
Attack aircraft are authorized to make only one pass over the target area in order to minimize risk to flight crews.
Each attack aircraft must positively identify target prior to dropping bombs. If target is not positively identified the aircraft will abort attack.
Surprise is essential for minimizing US losses. Indicators which will convey us intentions will be monitored and should be closely controlled.