U.S airstrikes bomb ISIS strongholds at Sirte

Libyan forces and the U.S army are dispersing ISIS militants in Sirte through ground attacks and airstrikes respectively.

The Libyan Unity government troops had made some significant progress in ground attacks and has asked for assistance from the Pentagon in striking ISIS tanks unable to be touched by ground forces.

“Today at the request of Libya’s government of national accord the United States conducted precision air strikes against ISIL targets in Sirte Libya to support GNA-affiliated forces seeking to defeat ISIL in its primary stronghold in Libya. These strikes were authorised by the president following a recommendation from Secretary Carter and Chairman Dunford. They are consistent with our approach of combating ISIL by working with capable and motivated local partners,” Pentagon spokesperson, Peter Cook said.

A statement on TV by Libyan PM, Fayez Seraj indicated that the airstrikes have caused severe losses to enemy ranks.

Earlier on Sunday, Libyan forces launched attacks on ISIS and succeeded in seizing the city’s main mosque and a jail run by the ISIS morality police.

A three month campaign by brigades from Misrata has forced the militants to remain in a residential area in the city centre.

Sirte fell into the hands of the Islamic State last year. After taking control, the group started implementing similar rules like in Iraq and Syria.