Yuri Gripas/Reuters
U.S. military forces conducted precision air strikes against ISIS targets near Sirte, Libya, the Pentagon confirmed Monday morning. According to Department of Defense spokesman Mark Wright, the airstrikes were executed at the behest of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), and were authorized by President Obama following recommendations from Secretary Ash Carter. “GNA-aligned forces have had success in recapturing territory from ISIL thus far around Sirte, and additional U.S. strikes will continue to target ISIL in Sirte in order to enable the GNA to make a decisive, strategic advance,” the Pentagon statement read. “The U.S. stands with the international community in supporting the GNA as it strives to restore stability and security to Libya. These actions and those we have taken previously will help deny ISIL a safe haven in Libya from which it could attack the United States and our allies.”