The offensive launched in May advanced quickly but stalled once it entered the city of Sirte. Several towns east of Sirte were captured by forces of the Petroleum Forces Guard attacking from the east. The main forces, the Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous (Solid Structure or BAM) attacked from the west and south-west. Most are brigades from the city of Misrata , 230 kilometers (145 miles) to the west of Sirte.
In spite of help from U.S. bombings since August 1, and also from small numbers of U.S. and U.K. special forces, the BAM forces face constant sniper fire, car bombs, shelling and mines. Nevertheless on Saturday BAM captured several buildings.
A spokesperson for BAM, Reda Issa said:“IS (ISIS) is putting up fierce resistance in their last neighborhoods. They are trying to make the battle last longer although they know it will be over soon.” Ten BAM fighters were killed and 60 were wounded in the Saturday offensive. Although fighting was said to have eased Sunday to avoid casualties, a tweet said: “#Misrata Central Hospital: 2 killed, 16 wounded in #Sirte clashes against #ISIS Sun. http://alwasat.ly/ar/news/libya/116950/ … #Libya. ” Issa said that BAM forces hoped to completely liberate Sirte before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha that is due about September 12.
One report claims that there are roughly 200 fighters from the IS or Daesh remaining in Sirte. Pentagon spokesperson Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said their defeat is certain: “They don’t have any place else to retreat to at this point. Their backs are against the ocean, and the ocean is blocked and protected as well.” The death toll of BAM fighters is now close to 500 since the beginning in May. The oldest fighter aged 80 was one of those killed today. In a worrying development a roadside IED on the road between Sirte and Misrata exploded killing two occupants of a BAM vehicle.
The “final push” as it is called has been going on for some time but the BAM fighters want to avoid any more casualties than are necessary. There is only a small area along the coast yet to be taken. The U.S. has extended its bombing campaign called Operation Odyssey Lightning for another 30 days from the end of August.
