U.S. backs Libyan forces in fight against ISIS

'These actions and those we have taken previously will help deny ISIL a safe haven in Libya...'

The Pentagon announced no aid would come to the Libyans until their fractured government could reach a clear consensus on the leading party, but the United States responded to the country's cry for military aid anyway.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - ISIS forces continue to encroach on Libyan territory, which Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook explained is an issue of national safety"

"The U.S. stands with the international community in supporting the GNA as it strives to restore stability to security in 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."

The threat to national security led Defense Secretary Ash Carter to encourage U.S. President Barack Obama to authorize the airstrikes.

"The President's been clear that he will deny any safe haven for ISIL or any group that troes to do us harm," White House spokesman Eric Schultz explained. "The strikes you've seen are consistent with that approach."

The Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) requested help from the United States to help destroy an ISIS presence near Sirte, which Cook described to be a success.

"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," Cook described.

The warplanes used in Monday's strike were not identified but their targets, an ISIS tank and two vehicles, were destroyed.

Officials claimed the attack resulted in "major casualties" but no ground forces were deployed.

Cook explained only specific targets would be attacked as part of a "collaborative process" with the GNA and surveillance and intelligence between the U.S. and GNA would be shared.

There has been no word of which specific targets have been destroyed or what the death count is.

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