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Libyan gov't announces freeing Sirte from IS

Xinhua, December 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Libyan UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj announced late Saturday that the city of Sirte has officially been freed from the Islamic State (IS).

"I officially declare the end of the military operation against and freeing of Sirte after eight months since the beginning of the operation," Serraj said in a televised speech.

Serraj added that the fight against terrorism in Libya "is not over yet."

The declaration comes two weeks after the pro-government forces that are fighting against the IS announced that they took full control of the city.

The government of national accord, which was appointed on Dec. 17, 2015, has launched a military operation in May against the increasing dominance of the IS in Sirte.

The violent battles between the government forces and the IS militants have claimed the lives of hundreds of the government troops.

Sirte, located 450 km east the capital Tripoli, had been controlled by the IS for almost a year. Endit