Dushanbe, 02.08.2016. /NIAT “Khovar”/. The U.S. launched the first airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) targets in the Libyan city of Sirte, at the request of Libya’s UN-brokered government, the prime minister said in a televised speech.
“The first airstrikes were carried out on precise positions of the IS in Sirte, causing heavy losses”, — Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj said.
He said the airstrikes would be limited to Sirte and its surroundings.
In Washington, Pentagon confirmed the operation in a statement, saying «additional U.S. strikes will continue to target IS in Sirte in order to enable the Government of National Accord (GNA) to make a decisive, strategic advance.»
“The U.S. stands with the international community in supporting the GNA as it strives to restore stability and security to Libya,” — the statement said.
It said the strikes were authorized by U.S. President Barack Obama.
According to Xinhua, since May, Libya’s UN-backed government have been striking the IS targets in Sirte, about 450 kilometers east of the capital city Tripoli.