Sarraj calls for help, first American strikes on Sirte

(B2) It was the Libyan Prime Minister, Fayez al-Sarraj, who announced it in a televised speech. The United States carried out air strikes on Monday (August 1) on the city of Sirte, considered the main stronghold of Daesh in Libya. This is a first in the American offensive against the Islamic State organization present in Libya.

Very "precise" targets

The information was quickly confirmed by Peter Cook, the Pentagon spokesman, who however refused to go into details. He talks about targets precise”. One of Monday's strikes destroyed a Daesh tank and another targeted two jihadist vehicles, strategically posted to block the reconquest of a part of the city by forces loyal to Sarraj.

The strikes will continue

The raids on Sirte will continue "explained Peter Cook, while specifying that it will be" always at the request of the government of national unity (GNA). According to our colleagues from RFI, new strikes have already taken place on Tuesday, August 2, targeting Daesh positions, this time in the heart of the city.

The capture of Sirte, a key issue for Sarraj 

The Libyan demand is not really surprising. Launched on May 12, the offensive on Sirte is in slow motion. GNA forces, coming from Misrata and the west of the country, entered the city on June 9 but face strong resistance from jihadists, who are increasing suicide attacks. The strikes have inflicted heavy losses (on the jihadists) in Sirte. Our forces were thus able to recover important strategic positions”, said Fayez al-Sarraj.

US rather than France?

The Libyan Prime Minister wants to be firm. These strikes come within a time-limited frameworks” and they “ will not exceed Sirte and its suburbs ". No terrestrial presence is accepted. " We have asked for support from the international community, especially from the United States. But we want to affirm that there will be no foreign presence on Libyan soil. » NB: A small indirect message to France (as to Egypt), after it recognized the presence of soldiers on Libyan territory (Read also: Three French soldiers who died in Libya, confirms the minister. In commissioned service…). “TAll assistance must be provided at the direct request of the GNA”.

(Leonor Hubaut)

See Sarraj's intervention here

Read our file No. 34. Europe facing the crisis in Libya (maj1)