Egyptian Air Force Bombs Islamic State Positions in Libya

The Egyptian Air Force has bombed positions and forces of the Islamic State in Libya. Reports indicate that the Libyan Air Force has also targeted ISIS positions in the eastern city of Derna. According to international news agencies, the bombing of Islamic State weapon depots and training camps in Libya occurred on Monday, February 16, in response to the simultaneous beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya. In a radio announcement released by the Egyptian armed forces, it was stated that this operation was carried out 'in revenge for the crime and to punish the murderers.' One day prior to the Egyptian Air Force operation, a video was released by accounts linked to the Islamic State on social media, showing members of the group simultaneously beheading 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians who had gone to the coastal city of Sirte in Libya for work. The caption of this video explicitly stated that the reason for the beheading of these Christians was their belief in the 'hostile church of Egypt.' The Associated Press reported that a week of public mourning has been declared in Egypt. Egyptian captives in the hands of ISIS in Tripoli were beheaded before their heads were severed. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the President of Egypt, emphasized in response to this incident that the country would respond to the catastrophe caused by 'wild murderers' in whatever way it deems appropriate. Despite recommendations from Cairo officials, thousands of Egyptians have sought work in Libya over the past year. The Egyptian government announced its readiness to evacuate its citizens from Libya following the release of a video showing 21 Egyptian Copts walking. Al-Azhar Islamic University condemned this act as 'barbaric,' stating that such a 'heinous act has no connection to any religion or human values.' The governments of the United States and France also strongly condemned the beheading of the 21 Egyptian Christians. In a statement, the U.S. government described the act as 'disgusting and cowardly.' Reuters quoted French President François Hollande describing the beheading of these Egyptian citizens as 'savagery,' adding that France and its allies are determined in their fight against the Islamic State.