Dangote refinery seeks US crude boost    Taiwan's tech sector surges 19.4% in April    France deploys troops, blocks TikTok in New Caledonia amid riots    Egypt allocates EGP 7.7b to Dakahlia's development    Microsoft eyes relocation for China-based AI staff    Beyon Solutions acquires controlling stake in regional software provider Link Development    Asian stocks soar after milder US inflation data    Abu Dhabi's Lunate Capital launches Japanese ETF    K-Movement Culture Week: Decade of Korean cultural exchange in Egypt celebrated with dance, music, and art    MSMEDA chief, Senegalese Microfinance Minister discuss promotion of micro-projects in both countries    Egypt considers unified Energy Ministry amid renewable energy push    President Al-Sisi departs for Manama to attend Arab Summit on Gaza war    Egypt stands firm, rejects Israeli proposal for Palestinian relocation    Empower Her Art Forum 2024: Bridging creative minds at National Museum of Egyptian Civilization    Niger restricts Benin's cargo transport through togo amidst tensions    Egypt's museums open doors for free to celebrate International Museum Day    Egypt and AstraZeneca discuss cooperation in supporting skills of medical teams, vaccination programs    Madinaty Open Air Mall Welcomes Boom Room: Egypt's First Social Entertainment Hub    Egypt, Greece collaborate on healthcare development, medical tourism    Egyptian consortium nears completion of Tanzania's Julius Nyerere hydropower project    Sweilam highlights Egypt's water needs, cooperation efforts during Baghdad Conference    AstraZeneca injects $50m in Egypt over four years    Egypt, AstraZeneca sign liver cancer MoU    Swiss freeze on Russian assets dwindles to $6.36b in '23    Climate change risks 70% of global workforce – ILO    Prime Minister Madbouly reviews cooperation with South Sudan    Egypt retains top spot in CFA's MENA Research Challenge    Egyptian public, private sectors off on Apr 25 marking Sinai Liberation    Debt swaps could unlock $100b for climate action    Amal Al Ghad Magazine congratulates President Sisi on new office term    Egyptian, Japanese Judo communities celebrate new coach at Tokyo's Embassy in Cairo    Financial literacy becomes extremely important – EGX official    Euro area annual inflation up to 2.9% – Eurostat    BYD، Brazil's Sigma Lithium JV likely    UNESCO celebrates World Arabic Language Day    Motaz Azaiza mural in Manchester tribute to Palestinian journalists    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



US launches first airstrikes against 'IS' in Libya
Published in Daily News Egypt on 01 - 08 - 2016

The US military conducted airstrikes against so-called "Islamic State" (IS) targets in Libya in response to a request from the Government of National Accord (GNA), the Pentagon said on Monday.
The raids were authorized by President Barack Obama, after being recommended by US Defense Secretary Ash Carter.
Strikes were conducted against targets in and around the city of Sirte, Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Seraj said.
"The first American airstrikes were carried out against precise positions of the Daesh (IS) organization were carried out today, causing severe losses to enemy ranks, " Seraj said in a statement on national television.
The Tripoli-based GNA launched an operation to retake the IS bastion of Sirte, the hometown of late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, in May. The Islamists have controlled the town since June of last year.
‘Primary stronghold'
"At the request of the Libyan Government of National Accord, the United States military conducted precision air strikes against ISIL targets in Sirte, Libya, to support GNA-affiliated forces seeking to defeat ISIL in its primary stronghold in Libya," said Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook, using ISIL as an alternative name for IS. Cook added that the US strikes in Sirte would continue.
Some 280 pro-government troops have died in the battle for Sirte while more than 1,500 have been wounded, according to medical sources. However, the troops fighting for the GNA , mostly made up of militias from western Libya, have been making advances in and around Sirte, including a nearby port area.
Meanwhile, a militia that was set up to guard oil facilities has also been making gains against IS.
The GNA was established as the result of a power sharing agreement that was brokered by the UN, but it has not yet been endorsed by Libya's elected parliament based in the east of the country.


Clic here to read the story from its source.