Libyan forces advance against ISIL in Sirte
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A tank belonging to forces aligned with Libya's new unity government is seen on a road as they advance on Sirte, Libya June 10, 2016.
Forces loyal to Libya’s unity government have tightened the noose around Daesh terrorists in the northern port city of Sirte, advancing further into the Takfiri group’s stronghold.
Rida Issa, a spokesman for the government-backed brigades, said the forces were securing the “700” neighborhood, just south of central Sirte, and had also made ground to the west of the city center.
Brigades composed mainly of fighters from the western city of Misrata launched a campaign against Daesh a month ago, advancing rapidly towards Sirte from the west.
“Our forces are combing the 700 neighborhood after fierce clashes,” Issa said. “The electricity company headquarters, TV and radio building, Number 2 neighborhood, and Bin Hamel mosque are all recaptured.”
He said the forces had also seized a second ammunition store from the terrorists while 16 brigade members had been killed and 60 others wounded in the clashes.
Pro-government forces have repelled multiple counter-attacks from the surrounded militants in recent weeks as they are preparing for a final assault on Sirte.
Figures show at least 170 troops have been killed and hundreds wounded since the start of the offensive last month to capture Sirte, which is located 450 km east of Tripoli.
The UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli, has been trying to unite Libya's factions since arriving in Tripoli in March. It has created several operations rooms in an effort to coordinate the campaign against Daesh.
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