Libya’s unity government recaptures ISIL stronghold of Sirte

Forces loyal to Libya’s unity government say they have taken back the country’s northern port city of Sirte from the ISIL Takfiri group in a major offensive against terrorists in the North African country.

According to Press TV, the triumphant troops managed to retake the city following fierce street battles on Friday, a day after the naval forces recaptured the coastal areas.

Libyan forces had already seized control over some key areas on the city's outskirts, including an air base, several military camps and a roundabout, where ISIL had previously hung the bodies of executed people.

Reuters quoted pro-government forces as saying that at least 11 of their fighters were killed in the Friday battle. The troops are still engaged in sporadic street clashes to completely cleanse the city from terrorists.

Sirte, the major ISIL stronghold outside Iraq and Syria, had fallen to the hands of the Takfiris in February 2015.

The full recapture of the city is a major boost to the Government of National Accord (GNA), which has come to office through support from the United Nations.

SS