Libya: Battle for Sirte continues as Tripoli-backed forces claim 70% control

Libyan forces backed by the Tripoli-based government continued fighting for control of Sirte, Thursday, after capturing the Ouagadougou Conference Centre a day earlier, a key base used by the forces of the so-called Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL). The landmark building was an important strategic and symbolic IS base, used for meetings and religious instruction, since they took control of the city last year.
Government backed fighters with armed pick-up trucks and tanks could be seen inside the complex and a Libyan forces spokesperson claimed they now had complete control of the area. According to local sources around 70 percent of Sirte is now in the hands of the fighters.
Government backed forces began their campaign to capture Sirte in May. Ten days ago the United States began air strikes against Sirte. IS militants still control several residential areas in the city though the capture of the Ouagadougou complex represents the biggest advance the forces have made in weeks.