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Libya Islamist force strikes IS fighters in Sirte

Xinhua, March 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

A warplane of Libya dawn on Sunday carried out an airstrike against a site of Islamic State (IS) militants in Libya's western city of Sirte, according to a military source.

"A warplane that supports our troops attacked the prison Al-Saba located on the southern outskirts of Sirte, where IS militants are stationed. Their losses could not be assessed," the source with the battalion 166 infantry of Libya dawn forces told Xinhua.

"The prison is used by the militants as an operation chamber. They move from there to attack our forces. It was agreed with the air force to provide air cover for our troops so we can move towards their stations and restore the sites they took over," the source added.

The source pointed out that the clashes are still going on since the morning in al-Thahir and Hrawa areas.

Violent clashes broke out on Saturday between IS militants and forces of Libya dawn in the city of Sirte. The clashes killed 20 militants and two others of Libya dawn force, according to a military source.

Libya dawn, which consisted of Islamist armed groups, has recently been attempting to gain control of Sirte, a city 450 km east of the capital Tripoli.

Libya has witnessed a drastic escalation of violence after the 2011 turmoil which toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The Islamist militants and pro-secular militia have been vying for cities and towns for months, making a security havoc in the north African country.

Some IS affiliates have taken the chance and seized cities like Sirte and Derna. Enditem