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

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

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

An Daesh “resupply truck” and an Daesh “logistics truck" were struck by US forces, AFRICOM stated, adding that the total number of US airstrikes since August 1 has reached 11.

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 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 Pentagon.

The Islamic State, also known as Daesh and Arabic and outlawed in many countries around the world, 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.