US aircraft Aug. 19-21 took out dozens of ISIS fighting positions in Sirte, Libya, paving the way for an advance into the city. At the request of the Libyan Government of National Accord, US aircraft struck 25 ISIS fighting positions and two trucks over three days, US Africa Command announced. The strike brings the total in Operation Odyssey Lightning to 74 since Aug. 1. Libyan forces said on Sunday it has advanced further into the city—the last remaining stronghold of the group inside the country—reclaiming a prison ran by ISIS’ “morality police” and a mosque, Reuters reported.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.