Lib Dems uneasy about bombings

About 50 Allied aircraft took part in Friday's strikes

The latest Allied bombings in Iraq are a cause for unease, say the Liberal Democrats, but the government says the strikes were only "self defence".

British and American war planes attacked air defence sites in southern Iraq at midday local time (1030 BST) on Friday.

This action is fully justified in light of continued Iraqi threats against Allied aircraft

Iain Duncan Smith
Shadow defence secretary

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell raised concerns that the bombings depended on a very broad interpretation of UN Security Council resolutions.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the strikes were carried out in self-defence and the action has also won support from the Conservatives.

Lib Dem worries

Reacting to the raids, Menzies Campbell said: "These operations leave many people feeling uneasy.

"The legal basis for attacks of this kind depends upon a very broad interpretation of Security Council resolutions, none of which expressly authorise military action.

"There is more than a suspicion that the attacks are designed to ensure that Iraq's air defence system is kept at a reduce level as part of a long-term campaign of containment."

He added: "Self-defence is one thing, retaliation is another."

The Pentagon said the strikes on three targets in the southern no-fly zone involved about 50 Allied aircraft.

An Iraqi military spokesman claimed one person had been killed and 11 injured.

Self defence

A spokeswoman for the MoD told BBC News Online there was nothing new in such strikes and denied suggestions it was the largest for six months.

"It was in self-defence as it always is," she added.

For the Conservatives, shadow defence secretary Iain Duncan Smith said his party backed the air strikes.

He said: "Those who complain about it should set out what they plan to do.

"This action is fully justified in light of continued Iraqi threats against Allied aircraft.

"It is right to work with the United States to ensure that the no-fly zones are protected.

"It is important to ensure British and Allied pilots are not in danger."

The no-fly zones, within which Iraqi aircraft are barred, were set up after the Gulf War to protect Shia Muslims and Kurds.