1st LD: Egypt launches airstrikes on IS targets in Libya

Egypt conducted air strikes on Islamic State (IS) targets in Libya on Monday, a day after the group released a video purporting to show the beheading of 21 Egyptians in the neighboring country.

"Your armed forces on Monday carried out focused air strikes in Libya against Daesh camps, places of gathering and training, and weapons depots," the military said in a statement, referring to the IS group.

State television showed footage of Egyptian fighter jets taking off to conduct the strikes.

"The strikes came in accordance with the decisions of the National Defense Council, and Egypt's rights to defend security and stability of its great people, and in retaliation of the criminal acts committed by terrorist attacks inside and outside the country," the statement said.

Speaking on national television hours after the release of the video on late Sunday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt would choose the "necessary means and timing to avenge the criminal killings."

The Egyptian eagles conducted the strikes precisely and came back to its base, the military statement said.

Sisi also declared a seven-day period of mourning over the death of the victims. Endit