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9 killed in clashes in Libya's Sirte

Xinhua, March 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

At least nine people were killed Wednesday in violent clashes between Libya Dawn militias and the Islamic State (IS) affiliated militants in the northern city of Sirte, according to a military source.

"IS affiliated elements carried a surprise offensive against a security site of our forces, particularly in the town of Nofaliya in Sirte District. Nine people were killed and six other were injured," the source with Libya Dawn forces told Xinhua.

"IS also suffered great loss of life and mechanisms. Statistics of their losses will be provided in the coming hours," the source added on condition of anonymity.

Violent clashes broke out on Saturday between IS militants and forces of Libya Dawn in the city of Sirte.

Libya Dawn, which is consisted of armed Islamist groups, has recently tried to gain control of Sirte, a city 450 km east of the capital Tripoli. The clashes are now focused in the areas of Hroah, al-Thahir, and Nofaliya in Sirte.

Libya has witnessed a drastic escalation of violence after the 2011 turmoil 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. Endit