Egyptian jets bombed Islamic State targets Monday in the neighboring country after militants released a video appearing to show the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians, who were abducted in December and January in the Libyan coastal city of Sirte.
Sisi called for militias in Libya to give up their weapons, but pushed for arms to be supplied to Libya’s internationally recognized Tobruk-based government.
Egypt’s airstrikes targeted camps of militants linked to the Islamic State group as well as training and weapons storage sites mainly near the port city of Derna, killing up to 64 fighters. Libyan officials allied with the Tobruk-based government said the raids were conducted in coordination with the Libyan army and forces allied with General Khalifa Hifter.
Libyan army spokesman Colonel Ahmed al-Mosmari said Libya didn’t currently need foreign ground troops, but asked for arms support