Libya: Libyan pro-government forces went back on the offensive today against last pockets of resistance by fighters of the ISIS jihadist group in the coastal city of Sirte.
Backed by tanks and mortar fire, pro-government forces advanced inside "District Two" of central Sirte, an AFP photographer reported, after a day of clearing and demining areas of the city captured in earlier clashes.
The assault against ISIS has been mounted in a west-to-east direction and led by tanks opening the way for infantry.
A commander of the forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA) said loyalists had also taken up positions south of District Two to cut off escape routes.
Loyalist forces launched operations in May to retake the Mediterranean city and home town of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi, which ISIS seized in June last year.
On June 9, pro-government forces entered Sirte and have since pushed the jihadists from key positions including their headquarters at the Ouagadougou conference centre, a sprawling compound near the city centre.
AFP correspondents who toured the city on Saturday said loyalist forces were pressing their advance, buoyed by US air strikes earlier this month that targeted ISIS holdouts in the city.
More than 300 pro-government fighters have been killed and 1,800 wounded in the three-month-old battle for Sirte, according to an official casualty toll. The jihadists have not revealed their losses.
Backed by tanks and mortar fire, pro-government forces advanced inside "District Two" of central Sirte, an AFP photographer reported, after a day of clearing and demining areas of the city captured in earlier clashes.
The assault against ISIS has been mounted in a west-to-east direction and led by tanks opening the way for infantry.
Loyalist forces launched operations in May to retake the Mediterranean city and home town of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi, which ISIS seized in June last year.
Advertisement
AFP correspondents who toured the city on Saturday said loyalist forces were pressing their advance, buoyed by US air strikes earlier this month that targeted ISIS holdouts in the city.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
CRPF Squad Safely Evacuated As Libya Conflict Worsens, Says Sushma Swaraj U.S. Stealth Bombers Strike Islamic State Fighters In Libya Libyan Forces Edge Forward Against ISIS Holdouts In Sirte 25,000 Aspirants For Airport Jobs Paying Rs 22,000: A Mumbai Stampede Scare 4 Top Leaders Quit Ajit Pawar's Party In Major Setback After Poll Drubbing Karnataka's 100% Quota Bill For Kannadigas In Private Firms For These Posts UGC-NET June 2024: City Slips For Exams From July 25-27 Released MCom, BBA, BCom: The Many Aspirants For Handyman's Job At Mumbai Airport Why Donald Trump Picked JD Vance As His Vice President Candidate Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.