US Forces Carry Out Nine Airstrikes in Libya in Support of Anti-Daesh Operations

US air forces conducted nine strikes against the Daesh targets near the Libyan city of Sirte, according to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US forces conducted nine airstrikes near the Libyan city of Sirte from Friday to Sunday as part of an aerial campaign requested by Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a press release.

"These airstrikes bring the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, which began Aug. 1, to 74," the release stated on Monday.

On Friday, US forces hit several Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) targets, including two of the terrorists’ fighting positions and two supply vehicles, according to the release.

Additionally, US aircraft struck 15 Daesh fighting positions on Saturday and eight fighting positions on Sunday, AFRICOM noted.

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

The Islamic State, known as Daesh in Arabic and outlawed in the United States, Russia and many countries around the world, gained a presence in Libya in the turmoil following the 2011 overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi.