On August 1, the Obama Administration ordered attacks on ISIS in the Libyan city of Sirte, starting another American war. Officially, Congress was informed that this would be a 30-day operation, but even when it started officials were conceding that there really was no “end point” for the war in any plans.
Unsurprisingly we’re now 30 days in, and there’s still no end point, so President Obama felt obliged to confirm a 30-day extension of the war, with officials saying it was done at the recommendation of senior military leaders. As before, this stated length is little more than a bureaucratic placeholder, and there is no reason to believe the war won’t just continue indefinitely.
Officials also say that US warships, including one that was scheduled to be redeployed off the coast of Iran to “keep an eye on Iran” aren’t going anywhere, and will remain parked off the coast of Libya. Indications are that one of the warships, the USS Carney, is close enough to be seen from the shore.
Though officials are claiming that the attacks inside Sirte itself are likely coming to a close soon, on claims that the “unity government” has nearly captured the entire city, the expectation is that this will not end the US campaign in Libya, though where it will target next remains to be seen.