US Conducts Four Airstrikes Against Daesh Positions in Libya’s Sirte

US air forces hit five Daesh fighting positions near the Libyan city of Sirte, according to US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US forces conducted four airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) positions near the Libyan city of Sirte on Monday, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a press release.

“This…brings the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, which began Aug. 1, to 341,” the release stated on Tuesday.

The release noted the airstrikes hit five enemy fighting positions.

Africa Command said the airstrikes, conducted in support of Libya's Government of National Accord, will help deny the Islamic State a safe haven in Libya from which it could attack the United States.

The Daesh gained a foothold in Libya in the turmoil following the 2011 ouster of the country’s longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The Daesh is outlawed in the United States, Russia and other countries.