Forces loyal to the Libyan Government of National Accord have encircled ISIS fighters in the city of Sirte as US aircraft continue to support the advance. US aircraft conducted five strikes on Aug. 13 and 14, hitting a vehicle and four enemy fighting positions, US Africa Command announced on Monday. The strikes bring the total number to 46 since Operation Odyssey Lightning began on Aug. 1. The GNA advance has been bolstered by troops from the Libyan city of Misrata, Libyan naval forces, and Libyan jets conducting their own strikes, according to Reuters.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
