US Air Campaign Against ISIS In Libya Kicked Off

The US fighter planes have expanded its operations against the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq in Libya. Airstrikes have been targeted in the coastal city of Sirte, marking the beginning of the campaign in the country.

According to Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook, the air campaign is the result of request made by the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) to support them amid the fear of ISIS expansion in its primary stronghold in the area.

Cook added the GNA-aligned forces have managed recapturing territory from the ISIS militants around Sirte and now continuous airstrikes will enable the Libyan government to make a decisive and strategic advance.

The airstrikes will deny the Islamic militant group a safe haven in Libya to protect threats and attacks on United States and its allies.

US President Barack Obama authorized the airstrikes after recommendation received from Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

White House spokesman Eric Schultz said Obama does not want the ISIS to have a safe haven to do them harm and the air campaign is related to the approach.

CIA Director John Brennan said the presence of ISIS in Libya is most developed and dangerous too.

Earlier this year report from a Human Rights Watch revealed ISIS has devastated residents in Sirte. The food, medicine, fuel as well as cash seized from homes of residents have been diverted to the members of the group.