US Airstrike In Libya Kills 43 Including Tunisian Terrorist

By Peter R - 20 Feb '16 14:59PM
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US led airstrikes killed 43 in Libya on Friday, including a Tunisian terrorist who allegedly was plotting an attack.

According to CNN, the airstrike by US is believed to have killed Noureddine Chouchane who was in the building in Sabratha when warplanes struck. Chouchane was said to be involved in at least two terror attacks last year in Tunisia that left over 50 dead. Friday's strike also killed others in the building who were said to be in advanced terror training.

Local authorities were described finding weapons including grenade launchers in the rubble, The Washington Post reports. Sabratha is located close to the Tunisian border, about 40 miles from Tripoli. The attack was aimed at ISIS terrorists. The building was believed to be a recruiting center for terrorists.

The airstrike comes days after US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed concerns over the influence of ISIS in Libya, which fell into turmoil following the ouster and death of Muammar Gaddafi. Though Kerry had ruled out sending troops to the country he said President Obama is open to taking affirmative action when required.

The airstrike was the second by US in Libya. Experts opine strikes on the terrorist group in Syria and Iraq are ISIS to regroup and set up base in Libya.

"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," Pentagon said according to Reuters.

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