Ghardabiya Airbase

Ghardabiya Airbase
Gardabya Airport

United States Department of Defense reconnaissance photo of hangars at Ghardabiya
Summary
Airport type Military/Public
Owner Libya
Location Sirte
Elevation AMSL 266 ft / 81 m
Coordinates 31°03′38″N 16°36′42″E / 31.06056°N 16.61167°E / 31.06056; 16.61167Coordinates: 31°03′38″N 16°36′42″E / 31.06056°N 16.61167°E / 31.06056; 16.61167
Map
Ghardabiya Airbase

Location in Libya

Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
31/13 11,807 3,600 Asphalt
18/36 11,807 3,600 Asphalt

Ghardabiya Airbase is a dual-function airbase for the Libyan Air Force south of the city of Sirte.[2] It also incorporates an airport for civilian use.[3] It was captured by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in May 2015, and was reportedly captured by pro-government forces in June 2016.

Military use

It is the home base of 1124 Bomber Squadron and 1st Fighter-Bomber Squadron which operate the Su-22 aircraft.[4] The base also operates the Aero L-39 Albatross for counterinsurgency missions.

Civilian use

Due to the Libyan Civil War (2011) all flights were suspended; however, since the end of the conflict, Libyan Airlines have resumed service. It is currently unknown if Tibesti Air Libya is using the airport.

AirlinesDestinations
Air Libya TibestiTripoli
Libyan AirlinesTripoli
TunisairTunis[5]

Libyan Civil War (2011)

It was targeted by United States Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers equipped with precision-guided munitions (PGMs) during the Libyan Civil War (2011) on 20 and 21 March 2011.[6] The United States Navy also participated in the attack to deny the Libyan Air Force operational capability with the use of Tomahawk cruise missiles.[7][8]

In May 2015, ISIL militants took control of the airport, after seizing full control of nearby Sirte, only weeks before.[9] On 4 June 2016, Pro-Libyan government fighters stated that they had captured the airbase from ISIL.[10]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.gcmap.com/airport/SRX
  2. ↑ http://www.defense.gov/news/DJS_Presser.pdf
  3. ↑ Allies Press Libya Attacks - WSJ.com
  4. ↑ Air Order of Battle
  5. ↑ International flights to operate out of Sirte airport
  6. ↑ BBC News - Libya military operation: Who should command?
  7. ↑ With Libyan Air Defense Neutralized, Coalition Air Forces Target Libyan Ground Forces | Defense Update - Military Technology & Defense News
  8. ↑ Information Dissemination: Libyan Navy Attacked by Fighter Jets - Updated
  9. ↑ "Islamic State militants in Libya 'seize Sirte airport'". bbc.com. BBC News. Retrieved 2015-05-29.
  10. ↑ https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0YQ0TA

Google Map aerial view

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