The U.S. has hit ISIS with 48 airstrikes since starting it’s anti-ISIS campaign in Libya on August 1, 2016. The most recent airstrikes have destroyed an ISIS vehicle and four militant positions in Libya , U.S. Africa command reported on Tuesday. The campaign is known as Operation Odyssey Lightning and focuses on fighting Daesh militants in Sirte, Libya.
The campaign was launched to increase the frequency of bombing raids. In February U.S. intelligence officials announced that an estimated 5,000-6,000 ISIS fighters were present in Libya. The U.S. launched two airstrikes against ISIS in Libya that month then refused to conduct further airstrikes until a more stable Libyan government could order attacks. With the support of the U.N. the Libyan government has been able to return to bombing violent militants at a previously unprecedented rate.
Sirte is ISIS’ last stronghold in Libya. Libyan troops have been methodically chipping away at ISIS territory in and around the city for months with the help of U.S. airstrikes. The latest bombing raid was carried out at the request of the UN-backed Libyan government according to the Pentagon.
[revad2]
