Last Updated: Friday, 26 May 2023, 13:32 GMT

Libyan government forces say on verge of regaining city from IS

Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date 4 September 2016
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Libyan government forces say on verge of regaining city from IS, 4 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a873.html [accessed 29 May 2023]
DisclaimerThis 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.

September 04, 2016

Libyan pro-government forces say they are facing fierce resistance from fighters of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in the coastal city of Sirte but should gain full control of it in a few more days.

Reda Issa, a spokesman for loyalist forces, said September 4 that "IS is putting up fierce resistance in their last neighborhoods."

Backed by weeks of U.S. air strikes, forces loyal to Libya's government of national accord (GNA) have recaptured nearly all of what had been the jihadists' main stronghold in North Africa.

IS took control of Sirte last year.

At least 10 pro-GNA fighters were killed and 60 wounded in a renewed offensive on September 3, with most of the deaths caused by car bombs and suicide attacks.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036

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