By Missy Ryan, The Washington Post
The Pentagon has conducted air strikes on the Islamic State stronghold in Sirte, Libya, the Defense Department said on Monday, the first direct U.S. military involvement in Libyan forces’ battle against militants there.
“Additional U.S. strikes will continue to target ISIL in Sirte in order to enable [Libya’s unity government] to make a decisive, strategic advance,” Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said in a statement, using an acronym for the Islamic State.
In a video statement also released on Monday, Fayez Serraj, who heads the Western-backed unity government, said he had requested air support from a coalition of nations led by the United States.
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