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The Libyan Air Wars: Part 1986-1989 - The US-Libyan Conflict and the Chad-Libya Conflict

Julio Cortázar

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Published in Libyan Air Wars Part 3: 1986 1989 (Africa War 22)

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The Libyan Air Wars of 1986-1989 were a series of aerial conflicts between the United States and Libya, and between Libya and Chad. The US-Libyan conflict was sparked by the Libyan government's support for terrorism, while the Chad-Libya conflict was a continuation of a long-standing territorial dispute between the two countries.

Libyan Air Wars Part 3: 1986 1989 (Africa War 22)

Libyan Air Wars. Part 3: 1986–1989 (Africa@War Book 22)

by Douglas R. Burgess

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The air wars were characterized by intense air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, and saw the use of some of the most advanced fighter aircraft of the time. The US Air Force deployed A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, F-14 Tomcats, and F-15 Eagles, while the Libyan Air Force flew MiG-23 Floggers and Su-22 Fitters.

The air wars had a significant impact on the political and military landscape of North Africa, and helped to shape the course of the Cold War.

The US-Libyan Conflict

The US-Libyan conflict began in 1981, when the Reagan administration accused Libya of supporting terrorism. In 1986, the US launched Operation El Dorado Canyon, a bombing raid on Libyan military and government targets in response to the Libyan government's alleged involvement in the bombing of a West German discotheque.

The US Air Force used F-111 Aardvarks and F-15 Eagles to carry out the raid. The Libyans responded with anti-aircraft fire and MiG-23 Floggers, but were unable to intercept the US aircraft.

Operation El Dorado Canyon was a success for the US, and damaged Libya's military infrastructure. However, it did not deter Libya from continuing to support terrorism.

In 1989, the US launched Operation Prairie Fire, a second bombing raid on Libya in response to the Libyan government's alleged involvement in the bombing of a US military base in Italy.

The US Air Force used F-111 Aardvarks and F-15 Eagles to carry out the raid. The Libyans responded with anti-aircraft fire and MiG-23 Floggers, but were again unable to intercept the US aircraft.

Operation Prairie Fire was also a success for the US, and further damaged Libya's military infrastructure. However, it did not deter Libya from continuing to support terrorism.

The Chad-Libya Conflict

The Chad-Libya conflict began in 1978, when Libya invaded Chad in support of the rebel Transitional Government of National Unity (GUNT). The Chadian government, supported by France, resisted the Libyan invasion and launched a counter-offensive in 1986.

The Libyan Air Force played a major role in the Chad-Libya conflict, and used MiG-23 Floggers and Su-22 Fitters to conduct air strikes on Chadian military positions and civilian targets. The Chadian Air Force, supported by France, used A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-14 Tomcats to defend against the Libyan air raids.

The air war between Chad and Libya was intense, and saw some of the most intense air-to-air combat of the Cold War. The Chadian Air Force was able to hold its own against the Libyan Air Force, and even achieved several air-to-air victories.

In 1987, Chad and Libya signed a ceasefire agreement, but the conflict resumed in 1989. The Chadian government, supported by France, launched a major offensive against the Libyan forces in Chad, and the Libyan Air Force was unable to prevent the Chadian government from retaking control of the country.

The Libyan Air Wars of 1986-1989 were a significant chapter in the history of North Africa and the Cold War. The US-Libyan conflict was a demonstration of the US's willingness to use military force against states that supported terrorism, while the Chad-Libya conflict was a classic example of a proxy war between two superpowers.

The air wars had a significant impact on the political and military landscape of North Africa, and helped to shape the course of the Cold War.

Libyan Air Wars. Part 3: 1986–1989 (Africa@War Book 22)

by Douglas R. Burgess

4.6 out of 5