Heavy casualties as Libyan forces advance on IS in Sirte Published duration 28 August 2016

media caption Pro-government fighters are trying to reclaim Sirte, which was seized by the so-called Islamic State group in February 2015

Militia loyal to Libya's unity government have suffered heavy casualties as they push into the last two areas of Sirte held by the so-called Islamic State group (IS).

Hospital sources told reporters that 34 government soldiers had been killed and 150 wounded in fierce fighting.

The coastal city was seized by the militant group in February 2015.

Forces aligned to Libya's government of national accord launched an operation in May to re-take Sirte.

Overnight, Libyan and US warplanes carried out air strikes and mortar bombardment of districts one and three in the north of the Mediterranean city.

media caption Feras Kilani meets the forces trying to rid Sirte of so-called Islamic State

Tanks and rocket-propelled grenades were used in the battle.

The brigades loyal to the government said IS militants had deployed five car bombs on Sunday to try to stop the advance.