© Esam Al-Fetori / Reuters
Previously denied reports of American troops on the ground in Libya have finally been confirmed by the Pentagon. The military admitted a "small number" of US forces in of Libya to support the local ones after launching airstrikes on ISIS targets
A "small number of US forces have gone in and out of Libya to exchange information with these local forces in established joint operations centers, and they will continue to do so as we strengthen the fight against [Islamic State] and other terrorist organizations," The Hill quoted Deputy Defense Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge as saying on Wednesday.
Trowbridge explained that the ground troops entering Libya use joint operations rooms, which are away from the front line. The American soldiers help with the coordination between Libyan troops fighting Islamic State.
Trowbridge specified that American troops are providing "unique capabilities," including "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strikes — that will help enable GNA-aligned forces to make a decisive, strategic advance."
The revelation comes after the Pentagon said on August 1 that it was expanding its airstrikes against Islamic State into Libyan territory around Sirte, where the extremist group got its stronghold.
During the announcement, US made no reference to ground troops.
In fact,
Trowbridge's confirmation comes only after The Washington Post brought to light on Tuesday reports that the US was "providing direct, on-the-ground support for the first time to fighters battling" Islamic State in Libya.
Comment: All the targets of US imperialism in the area recognize the value of a friend who can stand up to US bullying without setting the region on fire.