U.S. warships launch airstrikes at Libyan defense systems

Los Angeles Times | March 19, 2011 | 1:40 p.m.

U.S. and U.K. warships launched airstrikes at targets along Libya's coast on Saturday in an opening attack to degrade Moammar Kadafi's air defense systems and allow international allies to establish a no-fly zone aimed at protecting civilians.

More than 110 Tomahawk missiles were launched at more than 20 targets, targeting specifically surface-to-air missile sites and radar detectors that are part of the Libyan military's air defense infrastructure, said Vice Admiral William E. Gortney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.