US Forces Conduct 5 Airstrikes in Libya in Support of Anti-Daesh Operation

US air forces conducted five airstrikes against the Daesh in Libya, according to the US Africa Command.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US forces carried out five airstrikes against Daesh fighters near the Libyan city of Sirte on Thursday as part of an air campaign requested by Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), the US Africa Command said in a press release.

"These airstrikes bring the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, which began Aug. 1, to 41," the release stated on Friday.

The airstrikes hit multiple targets, including terrorists’ vehicles and fighting positions, according to the Africa Command.

On August 1, the United States began a new aerial campaign against the Daesh at the request of and in coordination with the GNA. The campaign will allow the GNA to make a strategic advance against the terror group’s positions in Sirte, according to the Pentagon.

The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that the US Special Operations forces have participated for the first time in on-the-ground operations against the Daesh in Libya.

The Islamic State, also known as Daesh and Arabic and 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. The country has been mired in a civil war since 2014.