Action — 15 August 2016

Aug 15, 2016 | ISIS

The Misratan-led Bunyan Marsus coalition made great gains against ISIS in Sirte, pushing ISIS out of its stronghold in Ouagadougu Centre, Ibn Sina Hospital and Sirte University on 11 August. All three buildings were bastions of ISIS rule in the city, and the group’s downfall represents a significant degradation of its presence and control. These victories were supported by US airstrikes and tactical support to Bunyan Marsus ground forces. Bunyan Marsus is now moving north to Hay 1, 2 and 3, the more suburban parts of the city near the coastline, where tough guerrilla warfare is expected to occur in the coming days or weeks.  Paradoxically, the GNA’s impending victory over ISIS is also a moment of rapid decline in its legitimacy. This observation was recognized by UN special envoy Martin Kobler in a recent interview, saying that popular support for the GNA is crumbling due to worsening economic and security conditions throughout Libya.