US Launches Airstrikes on Daesh Targets in Libya

Local Editor

The United States expanded its airstrikes against Daesh [the Arabic acronym for the terrorist "ISIS" group] into Libya, bombing targets in the coastal city of Sirte, US officials said Monday.

The attacks mark the beginning of an ongoing US air campaign in Libya, a Pentagon spokesman said.

The airstrikes came at the request of the Libyan Government of National Accord, or GNA, to support forces trying to quash Daesh in its primary stronghold in Libya, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said.

"GNA-aligned forces have had success in recapturing territory from Daesh thus far around Sirte, and additional US strikes will continue to target Daesh in Sirte in order to enable the GNA to make a decisive, strategic advance," Cook said.

"The US stands with the international community in supporting the GNA as it strives to restore stability and security to Libya. These actions and those we have taken previously will help deny Daesh a safe haven in Libya from which it could attack the United States and our allies."

Besides, the White House said President Barack Obama authorized the airstrikes at the recommendation of Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team