Libya effort named 'Operation Odyssey Lightning'

By Tony Bertuca / August 2, 2016 at 5:24 PM

The Pentagon announced today that the new U.S. military effort to support the Libyan government against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has been named "Operation Odyssey Lightning."

The new operation began Monday with a new round of airstrikes on several ISIL targets in the coastal city of Sirte.

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters airstrikes hit an ISIL tank and two vehicles at the request of the Libyan Government of National Accord. Cook said the Pentagon estimated there are approximately 1,000 ISIL fighters in Libya.

"GNA-aligned forces have had success in recapturing territory from ISIL thus far around Sirte, and additional U.S. strikes will continue to target ISIL in Sirte in order to enable the GNA to make a decisive, strategic advance," Cook said.

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