WASHINGTON (AFP) — The US military command for Africa announced Monday it had killed seven suspected Islamic State (IS) jihadists in an air strike in southern Libya, the fourth such operation in two weeks.

“Our pursuit of ISIS-Libya and other terrorist networks degrades their ability to effectively conduct operations against the Libyan people,” said Africa Command director of operations William Gayler, using an alternative acronym for IS.

His statement said the strike was carried out in coordination with the UN-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, and brings to 43 the number of suspected IS members killed by US forces in Libya since 19 September.

Three air strikes were carried out on 19, 24 and 26 September in the area around Murzuq, an oasis town some 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) south of Tripoli, killing eight, 11 and 17 IS “terrorists” respectively, according to Africom.

Libya’s desert south lies outside the control of the GNA and of rival forces loyal to eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, although Haftar is alleged to have a presence there.

Since the start of an anti-GNA offensive launched by Haftar on 4 April to take Tripoli, analysts have warned of a security vacuum that could benefit IS in other parts of the country.