News / North Africa

Libya's GNA forces retake Sirte University from Daesh

Wednesday, 10 August 2016 5:04 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 10 August 2016 6:25 PM ]

Libyan forces fire a rocket toward the positions of the Daesh Takfiri terrorists in Sirte, Libya, August 4, 2016. (Reuters)

Forces loyal to Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) have retaken Sirte University from the Takfiri Daesh terrorists.

"Our forces are making progress in their attack against Daesh, and have recaptured Sirte University," Rida Issa, a spokesman for the GNA forces, said Wednesday.

At least 20 Daesh terrorists were killed in the fighting for the complex.

Meanwhile, the GNA forces said they lost one of their planes during the operation on Wednesday. The forces did not provide more details. Amaq news agency, which is affiliated to Daesh, said the terrorists have shot down the fighter jet, killing the pilot.

Libyan forces stepped up the battle for Sirte on August 4.

The large-scale military operation to retake Sirte began in May. The Libyan forces had entered the city in June.

On August 7, the Libyan forces said the "countdown" had begun for the final attack on Daesh positions in the coastal city.

Libya has been the scene of violence since a NATO military intervention followed the 2011 uprising that led to the toppling and killing of the longtime dictator, Muammar Gaddafi.

Daesh has taken advantage of the chaos gripping the country to strengthen its foothold there.

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