Libyan opposition forces capture Sirte

Libya’s eastern-based forces say they have taken control of the coastal city of Sirte from the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, in what would be a key strategic gain


Khalifa Haftar
Commands LNA forces aligned with Tobruk-based government – backed by UAE, Egypt, France and Russia. Declared decisive offensive to capture Tripoli in Dec 2019


Approximate areas of control (Jan 7, 2020)

UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and allies

Libyan National Army (LNA) and allies


TUNISIA
Ghadamis
LIBYA
Nalut
Zuwara 
Gharyan
Zintan
Tripoli
Qaryat
Mediterranean Sea
Misrata
Bani Walid

Presence of so-called Islamic State group

Jan 6, Sirte
LNA announces capture of large parts of city

LNA advance

100km 60 miles


Fayez al-Sarraj
Heads Tripoli-based administration overseeing western Libya since 2016 as part of UN-brokered deal boycotted by Haftar. GNA receives aid from Turkey, Qatar and Italy, and Turkish troops have begun moving into Libya at GNA request


Tobruk
LIBYA


Sources: AP, AFP, LiveuaMap 
Pictures: Twitter, AP
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