US launches new wave of deadly airstrikes on ISIS targets in Libya

The US has launched air strikes on ISIS strongholds in Libya, causing 'heavy losses' among jihadists.

The Pentagon announced the military intervention, which is the first co-ordinated with the Libyan government.

It comes as a growing ISIS presence in the country causes concern among Western powers.



The strikes focused on the coastal city of Sirte.

'The first American air strikes on precise positions of the Daesh (IS) organisation were carried out today, causing heavy losses... in Sirte,' prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj said in a televised speech.

In Washington, the Pentagon said the raids were launched in response to a request from the unity government.

'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,' Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said, using another name for ISIS.



The US strikes in Sirte 'will continue', Cook added without elaborating.

President Barack Obama authorised the bombings following recommendations from top Pentagon officials, and the strikes are 'consistent with our approach to combating ISIL by working with capable and motivated local forces', Cook added.

'The US stands with the international community in supporting the GNA as it strives to restore stability and security to Libya,' he said.

The Tripoli-based GNA launched an operation in May to retake the ISiS bastion of Sirte, the hometown of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi which the jihadists have controlled since June 2015.