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.
Senior Air Force leaders have made a clarion call for improving Total Force readiness to prepare for potential conflict with the nation’s pacing threats. Most notably, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall is emphasizing readiness and mobilization as one...