Libyan forces clear last IS bastion in Sirte

The forces gained full control over a final patch of ground in Sirte’s Ghiza Bahriya dis-trict after hours of clashes. Several dozen women and children who had been holed up with the militants were able to leave the ru-ined buildings where they had made their last stand. 

As celebrations erupted among the Libyan forces, which are dominated by brigades from the city of Misrata, a spokesman said the military campaign would continue until the wider area was secured. 

Fighters fired in the air chanting “Free Libya” and “The blood of the martyrs was not for nothing.” The loss of Sirte is a major blow for Islamic State, leaving the group without any territory in Libya, though it retains an active presence in parts of the vast country.