For the Libyan raid , the United States was denied overflight rights by France , Spain , and Italy as well as the use of European continental bases , forcing the Air Force portion of the operation to be flown around France and Spain , over Portugal and through the Straits of Gibraltar , adding 1,300 miles ( 2,100 km ) each way and requiring multiple aerial refuelings . The French refusal alone added 2,800 km and was imposed despite the fact that France had itself been the target of terrorism directed by the Gaddafi government in Libya . French president Mitterrand refused overflight clearance because the United States was interested in limited action in Libya while France was more interested in major action that would remove Gaddafi from power . Another factor in the French decision was the United States ' last-minute failure to participate in a retaliatory air raid on Iranian positions after the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings
1983 Beirut barracks bombings
1983 Beirut barracks bombings
1986 United States bombing of Libya