U.S. Confirms Killing Eleven AQIM Terrorists in Airstrike in South Libya

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed that eleven al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorists were killed in “a precision airstrike”, conducted near Al Uwaynat, in southern Libya, last Thursday.

AFRICOM said three vehicles were destroyed.

“In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), U.S. Africa Command conducted a precision airstrike near Al Uwaynat, Libya, November 29, 2018, killing eleven (11) al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorists and destroying three (3) vehicles,” AFRICOM said in a press release.

At this time, we assess no civilians were injured or killed in this strike.

“AFRICOM will use precision strikes to deny terrorists safe haven in Libya. We will keep pressure on their network, and they remain vulnerable wherever they are,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg P. Olson, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command.

This is the third U.S. strike against AQIM in Libya. The last strike against AQIM occurred on June 13, 2018, resulting in the death of one terrorist.

The United States will not relent in its mission to degrade, disrupt, and destroy terrorist organizations and bring stability to the region. We are committed to maintaining pressure on the terror network and preventing terrorists from establishing safe haven, the AFRICOM press release said.