Italy signalled today that it would most likely allow the use of its airbases and airspace for strikes against Islamic State militants in Libya if the United States asks, Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti said.

"The government is ready to consider positively a request to use airbases and national airspace, and support the operation, if it is believed that it would lead to a more rapid and effective conclusion of the ongoing action," Pinotti said in testimony to the lower house of parliament.

US planes began bombing Islamic State targets in Libya yesterday at the request of the UN-backed government in Tripoli to help push militants from their former stronghold of Sirte.

Malta had refused to allow its airport to be used by Western air forces for Libya bombing operations during the uprising against Col Gaddafi, pointing out that it has a single airport used almost exclusively for civilian operations, which could not be interrupted.

However the local airport was used for emergencies by aircraft returning from Libya operations.

It is known that some Malta airspace overflight operations took place.