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US Denies Conducting Airstrike Against Al-Qaeda Leader in Libya

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The US Africa Command denied carrying out an airstrike that reportedly killed a senior al-Qaeda leader in Libya.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States did not carry out an airstrike that reportedly killed a senior al-Qaeda leader in remote Libya, US Africa Command spokeswoman Jennifer Dyrcz told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"The US did not conduct that strike so we do not have a confirmation on the report," Dyrcz stated.

On Tuesday, Libya’s state-run news agency LANA reported that Abu Talha al-Hassnawi, a key figure in al-Qaeda’s North Africa affiliate, was killed by a drone strike on his home in the southwestern city of Sabha.

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Al-Hassnawi was believed to be a leading member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and recruited local fighters to travel to Syria, according to LANA.

In August, the United States began airstrikes against Daesh positions around the northern city of Sirte at the request of the Libyan Government of National Accord.

Dyrcz said US Africa Command continues to support the government forces who are working to clear Daesh militants from the last few areas of Sirte.

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