U.S. forces in collaboration with the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) conducted an airstrike on Sunday in southern Libya killing seven militants, the U.S. Africa Command said on Monday.

"Our pursuit of ISIS-Libya and other terrorist networks degrades their ability to effectively conduct operations against the Libyan people," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, AFRICOM director of operations.

"By disrupting the terrorists' planning, training, and activities, we also degrade their capacity to threaten U.S. and partner interests in the region.”

The agency said in a statement that it would continue "to support diplomatic efforts to stabilize the political situation in Libya in order to maintain our common focus on disrupting terrorist organizations that threaten regional stability.”

It added that assessments showed that no civilians had been killed or wounded in the precision airstrike.

Libya has been dogged by fighting since the 2011 NATO-backed ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Gaddafi's death created a void that various war groups sought to fill, leading to violent clashes that killed thousands and displaced millions of people.

Currently, the North African country is grappling with increased fighting between GNA forces led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarra and forces loyal to General Khalifa, holding eastern Libya.

The U.N. and international partners have called for dialogue between the warring sides to end the chaos, with the aim of forming a unity government and later holding national elections.

(Information obtained from AFRICOM)