President Barack Obama used his final hours in office to launch an attack in Libya that killed more than 80 terrorists, some of whom were actively plotting attacks on European soil, and to send a parting message to Vladimir Putin about US military power.

The raid by a pair of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, and drones fitted with hellfire missiles, targeted two camps near Sirte, the former North African stronghold of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Terrorists were killed shortly after they had been spotted marching in formation, carrying weapons and mortars.

Speaking at the Pentagon on Mr Obama's last full day in office Ash Carter, the US Defence Secretary, said: "These strikes were directed against some of Isil's external plotters.

"They certainly are people who were actively plotting operations in Europe, and may also have been connected with some attacks that have already occurred in Europe."

He added: "We need to strike Isil everywhere they show up. That's particularly true in view of the fact that we know some of the Isil operatives in Libya were involved with plotting attacks."

Mr Obama authorised the attack, which was probably his final use of military force, late on Wednesday night.