(3 Jun 2018) Units of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), which follows the command of General Khalifa Hifter, have managed to enter a suburb of the militant-held city of Derna in eastern Libya.
Officials from the LNA said that their forces have surrounded Derna and are waiting for orders from their commanders to launch a full assault.
The LNA serves Libya's Tobruk-based government and is opposed to the internationally recognised Tripoli-based government.
Clashes around the militant-held city of 150,000 have been ongoing since April.
The same sources said that the LNA has secured a safe crossing for families and civilians stranded in the areas of clashes, the presence of which is currently preventing the units from moving forward quickly, they add.
On Friday, the United Nations said that in the fighting between the LNA and militants in Derna, at least 17 civilians, including two children were killed.
The U.N. Support Mission in Libya said in a statement Friday that the fighting has injured 22 others, including seven children, since May 16.
It said an explosion on Wednesday killed seven people and wounded seven others as they were attempting to leave Derna.
It added that dozens of families have left the city.
Weeks of fierce fighting have been waged in an effort by the LNA to take control of the city from militants.
General Hifter announced his intention to "liberate" Derna in May.
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