US Forces Conduct 9 Airstrikes in Libya in Support of Anti-Daesh Operation

US forces carried out nine airstrikes against Daesh fighters near the Libyan city of Sirte on Saturday and Sunday as part of an air campaign requested by Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a press release on Monday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The press release listed Saturday’s targets as four "enemy fighting positions" and one "heavy machine gun."

Additionally, airstrikes on Sunday hit a Daesh fighting position, three resupply trucks and two rocket launchers, AFRICOM said, noting that the total number of US airstrikes since August 1 has reached 20.

No strikes were conducted on Friday, according to the release.

On August 1, the United States began a new airstrike campaign at the request of, and in coordination with, the GNA aimed at fighting Daesh militants.

The campaign, called Operation Odyssey Lightning, will allow the GNA to make a strategic advance against the terror group’s positions in Sirte, according to the US Defense Department.

Daesh, outlawed in Russia and many countries around the world, gained a presence in Libya in the turmoil following the 2011 overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi. Libya has been mired in a civil war since 2014.