US Forces Launch Ten Airstrikes in Libya in Support of Anti-Daesh Operations

US air forces launched ten strikes near the Libyan city of Sirte as part of an aerial campaign against the Daesh, according to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US forces conducted ten airstrikes near the Libyan city of Sirte as part of an aerial campaign against the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) terror group, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a press release on Monday.

"This airstrike brings the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, which began Aug. 1, to 92," the release stated.

The release noted that the airstrikes hit two enemy fighting positions on Friday, two improvised explosive devices on Saturday and six enemy fighting positions and one vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices on Sunday.

Operation Odyssey Lightning was launched at the request of Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) and will allow state forces to make a strategic advance against the Islamic State’s positions in the town of Sirte, according to the US Department of Defense.

The Islamic State, also known as Daesh in Arabic, gained a foothold in Libya in the turmoil following the 2011 Western-supported overthrow of the country’s leader Muammar Gaddafi. The terror group is outlawed in Russia and numerous other countries around the world.