US airstrikes against the Islamic State extremist group in Libya continued for a second day Tuesday, as President Barack Obama called the new bombing campaign critical to protecting the U.S.’ national security interests. The bombardment, approved by US President Barack Obama, followed an earlier request for US support from the Libyan UN-backed Unity government.
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“Russia has always stressed the importance of decisive actions aimed at destroying ISIL (former name of IS) and other terrorist groups, no matter where they are, in strict accordance with the norms of worldwide law”, the ministry said.
“American air strikes, which are very accurate, will help to destroy those targets”.
“But there is no doubt that the presence of effective and accurate weapons will accelerate the end of the battle”.
The loss of Sirte, the birthplace of Libya’s former dictator Moamer Kadhafi, would be a major blow to the militants, who have faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq.
Militant groups, including Daesh, have been taking advantage of the chaos and instability embroiling Libya ever since.
Obama has said that American air strikes serve the national security interests of the USA and its European allies.
Washington has launched several strikes against IS in Libya in recent months.
The US administration’s tactics in Libya, two American officials said, were largely a product of the administration’s use of manned and unmanned aircraft against Islamic State, and meant to avoid committing “any meaningful level of ground support”. “The objective is to help the GNA retake Sirte”, he added.
Since 2014, Libya has been split between rival governments and parliaments based in the western and eastern regions, each backed by different militias and tribes.
Reacting to the request, the Libyans have been split over the USA intervention.
Dar al-Ifta, the highest religious authority in the country, which does not recognise the GNA, also condemned the American air strikes against IS.
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The Tobruk administration faces its own fight with jihadists. For the past two years, fighting has been raging in Benghazi between forces under the command of Brig.
