Statement from Pentagon on Libya Airstrike

The U.S. military conducted an airstrike in Libya targeting an ISIL training camp near Sabratha and a senior ISIL facilitator Feb. 19.



By Department of Defense Feb 19, 2016
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Libya Airstrike

Pentagon Press Operations

Release No: NR-058-16 
February 19, 2016

Early this morning the U.S. military conducted an airstrike in Libya targeting an ISIL training camp near Sabratha and Noureddine Chouchane, a.k.a. "Sabir," a Tunisian national who was an ISIL senior facilitator in Libya associated with the training camp.   

In May 2015, Tunisian authorities named Chouchane as a suspect in the March 18, 2015, deadly attack on the Bardo Museum in Tunis.  He facilitated the movement of potential ISIL-affiliated foreign fighters from Tunisia to Libya and onward to other countries. 

Destruction of the camp and Chouchane's removal will eliminate an experienced facilitator and is expected to have an immediate impact on ISIL's ability to facilitate its activities in Libya, including recruiting new ISIL members, establishing bases in Libya, and potentially planning external attacks on U.S. interests in the region.

We are assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information as and when appropriate.

This strike demonstrates we will go after ISIL whenever it is necessary, using the full range of tools at our disposal.

Original Release

More in Readiness
Archbishop Broglio visits Djibouti to strengthen faith and partnerships
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, visited Djibouti for a multi-day engagement with religious leaders and U.S. service members. The visit highlighted the role of faith-based engagement in strengthening partnerships, fostering dialogue, and supporting U.S. service members stationed in the Horn of Africa.
Read more
Military Flight Showcases Power Projection, Supports Partner Training
U.S. Africa Command, supported by U.S. European and U.S. Strategic Commands, conducted a partner training event with the Mauritanian Air Force in Atar, Mauritania on Wednesday. U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) traveled from Vicenza, IT to Atar, Mauritania and conducted ground to air training with Mauritanian Air Force personnel.
Read more
U.S. Africa Command Change of Responsibility Marks Continued Strength in Enlisted Leadership
U.S. Africa Command hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony formally transitioning senior enlisted leadership from U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Michael P. Woods to U.S. Army Sergeant Major Garric M. Banfield at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 20.
Read more
More in Readiness
Archbishop Broglio visits Djibouti to strengthen faith and partnerships
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, visited Djibouti for a multi-day engagement with religious leaders and U.S. service members. The visit highlighted the role of faith-based engagement in strengthening partnerships, fostering dialogue, and supporting U.S. service members stationed in the Horn of Africa.
Read more
Military Flight Showcases Power Projection, Supports Partner Training
U.S. Africa Command, supported by U.S. European and U.S. Strategic Commands, conducted a partner training event with the Mauritanian Air Force in Atar, Mauritania on Wednesday. U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) traveled from Vicenza, IT to Atar, Mauritania and conducted ground to air training with Mauritanian Air Force personnel.
Read more
U.S. Africa Command Change of Responsibility Marks Continued Strength in Enlisted Leadership
U.S. Africa Command hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony formally transitioning senior enlisted leadership from U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Michael P. Woods to U.S. Army Sergeant Major Garric M. Banfield at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 20.
Read more
More in Readiness
Archbishop Broglio visits Djibouti to strengthen faith and partnerships
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, visited Djibouti for a multi-day engagement with religious leaders and U.S. service members. The visit highlighted the role of faith-based engagement in strengthening partnerships, fostering dialogue, and supporting U.S. service members stationed in the Horn of Africa.
Read more
Military Flight Showcases Power Projection, Supports Partner Training
U.S. Africa Command, supported by U.S. European and U.S. Strategic Commands, conducted a partner training event with the Mauritanian Air Force in Atar, Mauritania on Wednesday. U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) traveled from Vicenza, IT to Atar, Mauritania and conducted ground to air training with Mauritanian Air Force personnel.
Read more
U.S. Africa Command Change of Responsibility Marks Continued Strength in Enlisted Leadership
U.S. Africa Command hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony formally transitioning senior enlisted leadership from U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Michael P. Woods to U.S. Army Sergeant Major Garric M. Banfield at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 20.
Read more