US forces are closing out August having conducted almost 100 airstrikes against ISIS targets in Libya, though the month-long campaign still hasn’t enabled Libyan Government of National Accord forces to reclaim the city of Sirte. On Aug. 29, seven US airstrikes hit 16 enemy fighting positions and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Since Operation Odyssey Lightning kicked off on Aug. 1, US aircraft have conducted 99 strikes, US Africa Command said in a Wednesday statement. The airstrikes have been conducted by remotely piloted aircraft, along with fixed-wing aircraft and attack helicopters from Navy ships in the Mediterranean. Libyan forces said this week they are advancing on the last strongholds of ISIS in the city, according to the BBC.
The Pentagon awarded a contract worth over $2 billion for the next batch of F-35 engines to Pratt & Whitney on June 5. The deal for Lot 17 F135 engines, totaling $2.02 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2025.