SIRTE, Libya

Libyan forces loyal to the Tripoli-based unity government have suspended a military campaign against Daesh terrorist group in the northern city of Sirte. 

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on Friday, Mohamed al-Ghasri, a spokesman for the anti-Daesh operation, cited keenness to save the lives of civilians for the suspension.

“The operation was suspended temporarily for saving the lives of civilians,” he said.

Al-Ghasri said two women had blown up themselves as civilians were using safe corridors to flee the battlefield, killing four people.

In another development, the spokesman said government forces had detained a senior Daesh militant in Sirte while four others had surrendered.

Since May, Libyan forces have been trying to retake Sirte from Daesh, which captured the city in early 2015.

In September, Libyan forces wrested most of Sirte from the militants, who now remain concentrated in the city’s eastern districts.

Reporting by Jabour Doken; Writing by Mahmoud Barakat;