War on terror

US Libya air raids top

US aircraft have carried out more than 140 strikes on Islamic State targets in Libya since 1 August, according to data released by US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

AFRICOM's Stuttgart-based headquarters said US forces had carried out 143 airstrikes against Islamic State forces in the coastal city of Sirte at the request of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) up until 9 September. It said the three most recent attacks had taken place on 11 September, with four strikes destroying nine fighting positions.

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter told a press conference in London on 7 September that the air campaign had helped pro-GNA militias push Islamic State force back into a small section of Sirte and that the remaining fighters would soon be defeated. "I expect that they'll eliminate any remaining opposition shortly," he said.