US air forces launched seven airstrikes near the Libyan city of Sirte, according to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). Fighters from Libyan forces allied with the U.N.-backed government take position during a battle with Islamic State fighters in Sirte, Libya August 21, 2016 © REUTERS/ Hani Amara US Airstrikes Reduce Daesh Threat to Libyan Government Troops in Sirte WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US forces conducted seven airstrikes near the Libyan city of Sirte as part of an aerial campaign against the Daesh terror group, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a press release on Tuesday. “This airstrike brings the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, which began Aug. 1, to 99,” the release stated. The release noted that the airstrikes hit 16 enemy fighting positions and one vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Smoke rises during a battle between Libyan forces allied with the U.N.-backed government and Islamic State fighters in neighborhood Number Two in Sirte, Libya August 16, 2016 © REUTERS/ Ismail Zitouny US Forces Carry Out 3 Airstrikes in Libya in Support of Anti-Daesh Operations 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 Daesh’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.
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