LOC19:41
16:41 GMT
WASHINGTON, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- The US military launched overnight airstrikes on two camps belonging to the so-called Islamic State (IS) near Sirte city, north Libya, the Pentagon said on Thursday.
The strikes, authorized by President Barack Obama, were carried out in coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord some 45 kms southwest of Sirte, according to a statement by spokesman Peter Cook.
The camps were holding individuals who fled from Sirte to the remote desert to reorganize.
"They posed a security threat to Libya, the region and US national interests," added the statement.
"While we are still evaluating the results of the strikes, the initial assessment indicates they were successful," said Cook.
"This action was authorized by the president as an extension of the successful operation the US military conducted last year to support Libyan forces in freeing Sirte from ISIL control."
Cook expressed US keenness to "further support" Libyan and allied efforts to counter terrorism and defeat IS. (end)
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