U.S. Special Operations forces are providing direct, on-the-ground support for the first time to forces battling the Islamic State in Libya, U.S. and Libyan officials said, coordinating American airstrikes and providing intelligence information to local forces battling to oust the group from a militant stronghold. The Wasp and 22nd MEU is conducting precision air strikes against Islamic State targets in Sirte, Libya as part of Operation Odyssey Lightning. Raghavan reported from Sirte, Libya. Islamic State militants there totaled up to 1,000 fighters at one time. The American air intervention has altered the military equation on the ground and given a much-needed boost to the morale of the fighters battling the Islamic State.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 09, 2016 18:45 UTC