the bombing of libya by the united states in 1986 was codenamed operation el dorado canyon. it was a series of airstrikes against libya on 15 april 1986 ordered by president ronald reagan. the attack was made by the u.s. air force, u.s. navy and the u.s. marine corps. it was in response to the bombing of a discotheque in berlin, west germany. it was reported that 40 libyans were killed. one u.s. plane was shot down, killing two soldiers.