US airstrikes hit IS in Libya, marking 48 strikes in August

CAIRO -- Airstrikes launched by the United States have hit an Islamic State group vehicle and four militant positions in Libya, raising the number of U.S. airstrikes against the extremist group to 48 since Washington launched its anti-IS campaign in Libya on Aug. 1.

In a statement Tuesday, U.S. Africa Command says it conducted the strikes in the coastal city of Sirte "at the request of, and in coordination with," Libya's United Nations-backed government.

The US says the bombing campaign is critical to protecting US national security interests, by denying IS a safe haven in Libya.