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Libyan forces lose 10 men in clashes with Islamic State near Sirte

Libya

Ten members of Libya’s western-backed government forces have been killed in clashes with the Islamic State near the town of Sirte.

About 40 other members of the force were wounded, in a fight intended to lead to the recapture of the town from the Islamist group.

#Libya|n forces lose 10 men in clashes with #ISIS near #Sirte https://t.co/8JeIyDSUM9 pic.twitter.com/Xf3nPIi9n8

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) June 2, 2016

The UN backed government has in recent weeks launched attacks on the IS stronghold of Sirte.

The government forces on Wednesday however recaptured a major power station located 20 kilometres from the centre of Sirte.

Reports indicate that most of the population in the region have already fled and the brigades have said they will give the remaining residents a chance to escape.

Western states are hoping that the Tripoli based government will bring together the competing factions in the country in order to defeat ISIL.

The extremist group has exploited anarchy in the North African state, gaining control of the city of Sirte last year.

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