OPERATION EL DORADO CANYON Meaning and
Definition
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Operation El Dorado Canyon refers to a series of military airstrikes conducted by the United States on April 15, 1986. The operation was aimed at targeting several key locations in Libya, including Tripoli and Benghazi, in response to the Libya-sponsored terrorist attacks in Europe. The primary objective of Operation El Dorado Canyon was to degrade Libya's ability to carry out acts of terrorism and deter its support for extremist groups.
This military intervention was a joint operation executed by the U.S. Air Force and Navy, employing both strategic bombers and carrier-based aircraft. The strikes involved the use of precision-guided munitions to target infrastructure and military installations, including air defense systems, communication centers, and government buildings.
The name "Operation El Dorado Canyon" was derived from the region along the northern coast of Libya where the targeted cities were located. It symbolizes the historical allure of the mythical city of gold, El Dorado, reflecting the objective of dismantling Libya's capabilities and seizing its illicit activities.
Operation El Dorado Canyon marks a significant moment in modern military history, representing a retaliatory response to state-sponsored terrorism. It also serves as a reminder of the international community's resolve to combat transnational threats and protect the rule of law.
