Libyan pro-government forces making progress in Sirte

Forces loyal to the Libyan unity government are making progress in the fight against the Islamic State to seize more territory in the northern city of Sirte.

According to the spokesperson of the fighters, Reda Issa, the advancements have been strengthened with the support of US airstrikes.

“Our forces… are trying to strengthen their advance with the support of ongoing American air strikes that have given momentum to the military operation.”

He however said their progress has been slowed by sniper fire, car bombs and suicide attacks from the militants.

Sources also indicate that American warplanes carried out seven air strikes against Daesh positions on Monday and Tuesday.

Issa did not say whether further strikes took place on Wednesday.

After US strikes hit 7 targets around #Sirte, GNA forces pushed forward against #ISIL. Defeating #ISIL is in US & #Libya national interest

— Jonathan Winer (jonathanmwiner) August 3, 2016

Breaking: US conducted airstrikes in Libya around #ISIS stronghold of Sirte, first at request of Libyan Government of National Accord

— Jim Sciutto (jimsciutto) August 1, 2016

The Libyan forces have been battling to oust ISIS militants from the town, which has been considered as a stronghold for the extremists. The loss of Sirte would be a major blow to the militants, who have faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq.

They took over the city in June 2015, taking advantage of the chaos after the fall of slain dictator Muammar Gaddafi.