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U.S. Combat Troops Move Closer to the Frontlines in Libya

Foreign Policy: American special operations forces are helping to call in airstrikes on Islamic State positions in and around Sirte, Libya, leaving U.S. troops closer to the frontlines of that war — and in more danger of being killed or wounded — just as they face increased risks in Iraq and Afghanistan as well.

The growing role of the elite U.S. forces in Libya, first reported by the Washington Post, comes as American military personnel in Iraq help Iraqi forces push toward Mosul while battling ISIS in eastern Afghanistan. Both missions — in wars America has largely forgotten about — are leading to new U.S. casualties. In Iraq, two commandos and one Marine have been killed since October. In Afghanistan, meanwhile, five U.S troops were wounded fighting ISIS in July, and an Army Green Beret was killed fighting the Taliban in January.

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