Libyan militias claim to have seized control of Isis base

US-backed Libyan fighters say they have taken over Islamic State's headquarters in Sirte, the Islamist militants' final bastion in Libya.

The fighters said they have seized control of the sprawling convention centre that was used as Isis headquarters in the coastal city.

The militia fighters, who are mainly from the nearby city of Misrata, launched their offensive against Isis in June.

A statement on the forces' Facebook page declares that "Sirte is returning to Libya".

Air strikes

US warplanes have launched a series of air strikes targeting Isis positions in the city.

The air support came in response to a request for assistance from Libya’s UN-brokered government after battles in Sirte stalled.

Isis militants seized control of the city, the hometown of Libya's long-standing dictator Muammar Gaddafi, in 2015.

PA