WASHINGTON // The United States launched airstrikes against ISIL militants in Libya on Monday, opening a new, more persistent front against the group at the request of the United Nations-backed government.
Fayez Serraj, the head of Libya’s UN-brokered presidency council, said American warplanes attacked the ISIL bastion of Sirte on the Mediterranean in northern Libya. No US ground forces will be deployed, he said.
The precision strikes, which targeted an ISIL tank and vehicles, come amid growing concerns about the group’s increased threat to Europe and its ability to inspire attacks across the region, even though its numbers have been shrinking because of attacks from local forces and allied international troops.
“The presidency council, as the general army commander, has made a request for direct US support to carry out specific airstrikes,” Mr Serraj said. “The first strikes started today in positions in Sirte, causing major casualties.”
The strikes were the first by the US on the group in Libya since February.
President Barack Obama authorisation for action in Sirte covers strikes, intelligence and surveillance, but not ground operations.
Mr Serraj said his government is joining the coalition against ISIL, adding: “This is the time for the international community to live up to its promises to the Libyan people.”
Mr Serraj also noted that the strikes will not go beyond Sirte and its surroundings. He said that any other foreign intervention is not allowed without coordination.
His warning comes after several French commandos were killed fighting ISIL militants. US, French, British and Italian special operations forces and military experts have been assisting Libyan troops fighting ISIL militants in eastern and western Libya.
Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said Mr Obama authorised the strikes following a recommendation from Pentagon officials.
“They are consistent with our approach to combating ISIL by working with capable and motivated local forces,” said Mr Cook.
US officials earlier this year estimated there were as many as 6,000 ISIL insurgents in Libya, including some who have abandoned Syria. But in recent months, officials say, their numbers in Libya have dropped and the group is weakening there under pressure from local militias and the UN-brokered government.
Just last week, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said ISIL fighters in Libya are facing the “distinct possibility” of defeat in their last stronghold.
In February, American F-15E fighter-bombers struck an ISIL training camp in rural Libya near the Tunisian border, killing more than 40.
*Associated Press
