Misrata: 'City of martyrs'

Home to powerful militias, the Libyan city of Misrata which is the command centre in the offensive against the Islamic State in Sirte is paying a heavy price.

Many people have lost their lives in the city in the course of the battle against the terrorists.

Every family here seems to have a martyr.

Sad memories fill the minds of those who have lost close relatives and friends.

The family of 30-year-old Libyan journalist, Abdelqater are still to come to terms with his death.

“He was passionate about journalism and paid less attention to money. His only desire was to report the truth. May God bless his soul, because he was renowned for his courage.
In his last article he wrote, ‘One must risk his life to take images,’ Abdelqater’s brother Ibrahim Ehmeda Fssouk said.

Inhabitants of Misrata who died in combat zones have been buried in various cemeteries across the country.

One thing lingers in the minds of the population, the end of the ongoing chaos which has put a sad end to the destinies of many.

“ I hope that the war will end. All Libyans are praying that this war should come to an end so that the country should become even better than before,” the son of a martyr said.

The bad memories live on. Forces loyal to the national unity government are meanwhile continuing the attack to recapture Sirte.