Air strikes in Libya have resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people. The BBC reports that the strikes were targeting Islamic State militants in the city of Sabratha. The identity of the nation responsible for the air strikes is unconfirmed, but anonymous sources have indicated that it was likely the United States. The Islamic State has been a growing concern in Libya, with reports that more of its top leaders are moving there. Mohamed Eljarh, a fellow with the Atlantic Council, told The Cipher Brief that the chaos in Libya following the fall of Gadhafi’s government provided the Islamic State with “opportunities to dominate and exploit the situation to their advantage and expand their territory and their areas of influence.” These airstrikes were likely meant to curtail their efforts.
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