Libyan forces advance against Islamic State in Sirte: spokesman

A fighter from forces aligned with Libya's new unity government scouts a road ahead of a clearing operation of Zaafran area in Sirte, June 11, 2016. REUTERS/Stringer/Files

Forces aligned with Libya's unity government said they had made significant gains in residential districts of Sirte on Tuesday as they battle to oust Islamic State from its coastal stronghold.

Forces aligned with Libya's new unity government are seen on the road as they advance on the eastern and southern outskirts of the Islamic State stronghold of Sirte, in this still image taken from video on June 9, 2016. Via REUTERS TV

Rida Issa, a spokesman for the government-backed brigades, said they were securing the "700" neighborhood just south of central Sirte, and had also made ground to the west of the city center. Sixteen brigade members had been killed and 60 wounded in Tuesday's fighting, Issa said.