The U.S. has carried out airstrikes in Libya in order to help the fledgling government in Tripoli move against an Islamic State stronghold in the northern coastal town of Sirte, the Pentagon announced Monday.

A Pentagon statement says the airstrikes were conducted at the request of the new Libyan Government of National Accord and were authorized by President Obama acting on the recommendations of Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford.