US Forces Conduct 2 Airstrikes in Libya in Support of Anti-Daesh Operation

According to US Africa Command, US forces conducted two airstrike against Daesh fighters near the Libyan city of Sirte on Wednesday as part of an air campaign requested by the country’s national government.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US forces conducted two airstrike against Daesh fighters near the Libyan city of Sirte on Wednesday as part of an air campaign requested by the country’s national government, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a press release on Thursday.

"One pickup truck with a mounted recoilless rifle" was struck by US forces, AFRICOM stated, adding that the total amount of US airstrikes from August 1 through August 3 has reached nine.

On Monday, the United States began a new airstrike campaign at the request of, and in coordination with, the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) aimed at fighting the Islamic State 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 Pentagon.

The Daesh, which is outlawed in the United States, Russia and many other nations, gained a presence in Libya in the turmoil following the 2011 overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi. The nation has been mired in a civil war since 2014.