Notorious Algerian jihadist Mokhtar Belmokhtar was the target of a US air strike in Libya, the Pentagon said Sunday, without immediately confirming local claims that he was killed.

"I can confirm that the target of last night’s counterterrorism strike in Libya was Mokhtar Belmokhtar," spokesman Colonel Steve Warren said in a statement. "The strike was carried out by US aircraft. We are continuing to assess the results of the operation and will provide more details as appropriate."