US warplanes have conducted massive airstrikes near the Libyan city of Sirte against Islamic State members believed to be planning attacks in Europe, in an attack which killed 80 people. Initial US estimates were that approximately 80 people were killed, who the Pentagon described as Isis fighters. He did not say how many Isis fighters remain in Libya following the attack. The Pentagon portrayed Wednesday night’s airstrikes as a mop-up effort emanating from the Sirte campaign, suggesting that the US bombardment went unfinished. It is unclear if they focus primarily on the remaining Isis strongholds in Iraq and Syria or aim to reignite the Libya campaign as well.

Source: The Guardian January 19, 2017 15:18 UTC