Libya – Conflict – ISIS – Sirte
Libyan pro-government (called unity forces) forces battled to seize more territory from Islamic State (ISIS / Daesh / ISIL) group terrorists in their stronghold Sirte on Wednesday but progress was hindered by mines and snipers.
Fighters allied to Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), backed by US air strikes, are trying to retake the hometown of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi from terrorists who have controlled the city since June 2015.
“Our forces ... are trying to strengthen their advance with the support of ongoing American air strikes that have given momentum to the military operation,” said Reda Issa, a spokesman for forces loyal to Libya’s unity government.
American warplanes carried out seven strikes against ISIS positions in Sirte on Monday and Tuesday at the GNA’s request.
Issa did not say whether further strikes took place on Wednesday.
GNA forces have been battling to oust terrorists from the town since May 12. They entered the city on June 9 and have pushed the jihadists out of the city’s port, international airport, an air base and a hospital.
But their advance slowed as ISIS hit back with sniper fire, car bombs and suicide attacks.
“There are targets that are hard to hit because they are among the houses,” said Issa.
“American air strikes, which are very accurate, will help to destroy those targets.”
“Every day the battle’s outcome is not settled, the city becomes more full of booby traps,” said Issa.
“But there is no doubt that the presence of effective and accurate weapons will accelerate the end of the battle.”
S/SH 11
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