Anti-ISIS Offensive
Libyan forces launched Operation Bunyan Marsous (Solid Structure) to recapture Sirte from ISIS control, beginning a months-long urban warfare campaign to eliminate the Islamic State’s North African stronghold.
Military Coalition
Fighting forces:
- Misrata militias
- Presidential Guard
- Tripoli-based brigades
- Air force support
- International backing
Strategic Objectives
Campaign goals:
- ISIS territorial elimination
- Sirte liberation
- Coastal security restoration
- Energy infrastructure protection
- International terrorism threat reduction
US Air Support
American involvement:
- Precision airstrike campaign
- Intelligence sharing
- Logistics support
- Training assistance
- Technology provision
Urban Warfare
Battle characteristics:
- House-to-house fighting
- IED deployment
- Sniper tactics
- Civilian shields
- Infrastructure destruction
ISIS Resistance
Militant defense:
- Fortified positions
- Suicide bombings
- Foreign fighter determination
- Improvised weapons
- Propaganda maintenance
Humanitarian Concerns
Civilian impact:
- Population displacement
- Medical facility damage
- Infrastructure destruction
- Humanitarian access challenges
- Protection needs
International Support
External backing:
- United States: Air support
- United Kingdom: Intelligence
- Italy: Logistics
- France: Equipment
- Egypt: Coordination
The operation marked the beginning of the end for ISIS’s territorial presence in Libya and demonstrated unprecedented cooperation among Libyan factions against a common enemy.