Libyan government frees 24 civilians held captive by IS in Sirte
Xinhua, October 24, 2016 Adjust font size:
Libyan pro-government forces fighting the Islamic State (IS) in Sirte freed 24 civilians on Monday who were held captive by IS, said the government forces' media office.
"Our forces managed to free 24 civilians from the grip of IS in today's clashes, including women and children. After that, the forces freed two men, an Egyptian and a Turk, while securing the area," revealed the media office.
On Saturday, government fighters freed 13 hostages, including 11 Eritrean women, a Turk and an Egyptian, also held captive by IS.
The media office added that following three days of fierce combat, government fighters have taken over the block known as 600, where remaining IS fighters are posted.
In May, Libya's UN-backed unity government formed a coalition of militias to fight IS in Sirte.
Sirte, 450 km east of the capital Tripoli, is the hometown of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, toppled during the 2011 uprising. It was taken over by IS over a year ago.
Backed by the U.S. air force, government forces currently control most of the city. Endit