Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 02 August 2016: American air strikes in ISIS-controlled Sirte

On Monday and Tuesday, 1-2 August, American air force has conducted a series of air strikes on ISIS-controlled city of Sirte in Libya. The air strikes were made in support of the offensive of Government of National Accord forces’ offensive that have been attempting to take control of the city for several months. Jordan-based US drones were used for the first time in this operation which targeted ISIS military vehicles and strongpoints in strategic areas of the city. US warplanes have carried out seven air strikes in total over the two days.

Sirte is located in the middle of Libyan coast and has been ISIS’ primary stronghold in the country since June 2015. Libyan forces have been conducting military operations in the region since May 2016 and made significant progress in the last few weeks, taking control of the al-Dollar district in the city centre on Saturday, July 30. However, in doing so they have taken significant casualties which forced them to limit their advance. The entry of US Air Force into the fray should enable them to resume the offensive. It is estimated that several hundred ISIS fighters remain in Sirte.

Libyan forces in Sirte represent the Government of National Accord (GNA), which resulted from an UN-brokered power-sharing agreement signed in December 2015. The cabinet was formed in March 2016, received international recognition and succeeded in getting the arms embargo lifted. GNA has not yet received support from the House of Representatives and the military forces of gen. Khalifa Haftar which control the east of the country. During a joint conference with the Prime Minister of Singapore, the US president, Barack Obama, has expressed his hope that the defeat of ISIS will enable the GNA 'to start bringing the parties together inside that country.’