Tripoli, March 18 (IANS): At least nine people were killed on Wednesday in violent clashes between Libya Dawn militias and the Islamic State (IS)-affiliated militants in the northern Libyan city of Sirte, according to a military source.
"IS-affiliated elements carried out a surprise offensive against a security site of our forces, particularly in the town of Nofaliya in Sirte district. Nine people were killed and six others were injured," the source with Libya Dawn forces told Xinhua news agency.
"The IS also suffered great losses. Statistics of their losses will be provided in the coming hours," the source added on condition of anonymity.
Violent clashes broke out on Saturday between IS militants and forces of Libya Dawn in the city of Sirte.
Libya Dawn, which comprises armed Islamist groups, has recently tried to gain control of Sirte, a city 450 km east of capital Tripoli. The clashes are now focused in the areas of Hroah, al-Thahir, and Nofaliya in Sirte.
Libya has witnessed a drastic escalation of violence after the 2011 turmoil that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The Islamist militants and pro-secular militias have been vying for cities and towns for months.
Some IS affiliates have taken the chance and seized cities like Sirte and Derna.