Libyan forces push into last Daesh-held areas of Sirte

Forces loyal to Libya’s UN-backed unity government on Sunday pushed into the last areas of Sirte held by the Daesh group in what was the militants’ coastal stronghold.
The battle for the hometown of Libya’s slain dictator Muammar Qaddafi was launched more than three months ago by forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord.
Daesh captured the Mediterranean city in June 2015, sparking fears they would use it as a launchpad for attacks on Europe.
Earlier this month, the pro-GNA forces seized the militants’ headquarters in Sirte, pinning them down in a small downtown area near the sea.
“Our forces entered the last areas held by Daesh in Sirte: District number one and district number three,” a spokesman for the pro-GNA forces said on Sunday.
“The final battle for Sirte has started,” Reda Issa said of the city 450 kilometers (280 miles) east of Tripoli. About 1,000 pro-GNA fighters were taking part in the offensive, he said.
An AFP photographer saw several tanks and armed vehicles move toward district number one and heard gunfire and rocket explosions as they entered the northern neighborhood.
“Fierce street battles” were taking place with pro-GNA forces using weaponry including heavy artillery, the photographer said.
At least 25 loyalists were killed Sunday and 120 wounded, a field hospital for the pro-GNA forces said.

Source: Arab News