Islamic State militants hit Libyan pro-government forces in Sirte
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 12 June 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Islamic State militants hit Libyan pro-government forces in Sirte, 12 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/576901d029.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 12, 2016
Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government prepare a missile launcher during clashes with Islamic State (IS) militants west of Sirte earlier this month. Libyan forces began the battle to retake the city from IS in May.
Forces allied with Libya's unity government battled on June 12 to retake the extremist Islamic State (IS) group's stronghold in Sirte, facing resistance and a series of suicide car bombings.
IS took control of the coastal city in 2015 and turned it into its main base of operations for North Africa.
Islamic State militants launched three suicide attacks against Libyan government forces in an attempt to stop them from advancing inside their stronghold, pro-government media reported.
Reda Issa, a spokesman for the unity government's forces, said that at least one person was killed and four injured in the suicide bomb blasts.
On June 11, Libyan forces said they regained control of the port in Sirte.
Sirte, the hometown of ousted ruler Muammar Qaddafi, is the most significant IS stronghold outside Iraq and Syria.
The Libyan forces, aligned to the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli, began the battle to retake the city last month.
Based on reporting by dpa and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
