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Libya: Unclear if US strikes killed al-Qaeda leader

CAIRO - Three foreigners were among 17 killed in US airstrikes in eastern Libya, a military spokesman of the internationally-recognized Libyan government said Monday, adding that it is too early to determine if an al-Qaeda-linked militant leader was among them.

 

Algerian militant Mokhtar Belmokhtar was earlier reported killed by the Libyan government, which is based in the country's east.

 

Pentagon officials said the strike successfully hit its target. US Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James confirmed Monday that the target was an al-Qaeda-linked leader, but said the results of the raid are still being studied.

 

Libyan military spokesman Maj. Mohammed Hegazi told The Associated Press two foreign militant leaders and a Tunisian fighter were killed. He said tests are needed to determine if Belmokhtar is among them.

 


פרסום ראשון: 06.15.15, 18:22