"[Y]es, that’s a possibility," Rodrigues stated of the likelihood the United States would launch airstrikes against the Daesh in Libya. "It will be determined by the Government of National Accord and the international community in how that moves forward."
Rodrigues noted that airstrikes are only one option for the United States to support the Government of National Accord. The decision to utilize airstrikes would depend on the government’s needs as well as on the international community, he observed.
Rodriguez pointed out that ground forces inside Libya, which include remnants of the Libyan National Army as well as various militias that at times fight each other, have had success against Daesh fighters.
Rodriguez said he estimated there were between 4,000 and 6,000 Daesh fighters in Libya, and their number has doubled in the last 12 to 18 months.
The Islamic State, also known as Daesh, has been designated as a terrorist organization and is outlawed in the United States, Russia and numerous other countries.
