WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US forces conducted five airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices near the Libyan city of Sirte on Tuesday, the 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 346,” the release on Wednesday stated.
21 October 2016, 16:07 GMT
The 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.
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.
