WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – Earlier in the day, the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Counter the Daesh announced Libya had joined the coalition, which is part of US Central Command.
"We welcome today’s announcement and we will continue to support the GNA in its efforts to establish peace and security for the Libyan people in a united, sovereign Libya," Falvo stated.
Africa Command launched Operation Odyssey Lightning on August 1 to help Libyan forces expel the Daesh from the northern city of Sirte.
As of November 15, US forces had conducted 391 airstrikes against the Islamic State around Sirte in support of GNA-aligned forces.
The Daesh gained a foothold in Libya in the turmoil following the 2011 ouster of the country’s longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.
