US aircraft on Monday conducted precision airstrikes in Sirte, Libya, to support Libyan government-affiliated forces fighting ISIS, the Pentagon announced. President Obama authorized the strikes following a recommendation from Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The strikes “are consistent with our approach to combating ISIL by working with capable and motivated local forces,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a statement. The strikes hit an ISIS tank and two other vehicles, he said. Obama has authorized additional strikes in the future focused on Sirte to help the government of national accord forces advance on ISIS, he said. There have been multiple requests from the government of national accord, though Cook during a Monday briefing would not go into detail about a timeline. “They have asked for this specific assistance and our assistance will be limited to these strikes in this area,” Cook said. There’s not a “specific role” for US ground forces in Sirte, Cook said, though the US has moved special operations troops into Libya before. (See also: Facing ISIS in Africa)
Dick Cheney’s Legacy with the Air Force
Nov. 6, 2025
Dick Cheney, who died Nov. 3 at 84, is best remembered by most Americans as among the most powerful Vice Presidents in history, a consummate Washington insider who had previously served in the Nixon administration, was Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford, a Congressman for a decade, and Secretary…
