US Conducts Seven Airstrikes Against Daesh Positions in Libya's Sirte

Sputnik News

20:31 24.10.2016

US forces launched seven airstrikes against the Daesh terrorist group near the city of Sirte in Libya, according to the statement of US Africa Command.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US forces conducted seven airstrikes against Islamic State, also known as Daesh positions near the Libyan city of Sirte over the past three days, US Africa Command said in a press release.

"This…brings the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning, which began Aug. 1, to 337," the release stated on Monday.

The airstrikes hit two Daesh fighting positions and two vehicles on Friday, one fighting position on Saturday and three fighting positions on Sunday, according to the release.

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

On Friday, the US Navy said it had deployed the warships Wasp and San Antonio to Sirte in support of anti-Daesh operations.

The Daesh gained a foothold in Libya in the turmoil following the 2011 ouster of the country's longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The group is a designated terrorist organization in the United States, Russia and many other countries.

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