GNA forces launch Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos offensive to capture Sirte

In the spring of 2016, the Battle of Sirte unfolded between the Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This conflict, described as ISIL's 'last stand' in Libya, saw fighting take place east of Assdada, around 80 km (50 miles) south of Misrata. On 12 May, GNA forces launched an offensive under the name 'Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos', which translates to 'Impenetrable Wall' or 'Solid Foundation'. By 17 May, they had recaptured Abu Grein and taken control of the al-Wishkah district, moving nearly 50 kilometers from Sirte.

On 19 May, an ISIL suicide bomber attacked GNA forces 90 kilometers west of Sirte, killing 30 soldiers and wounding 50. The GNA continued to advance, capturing the Ghardabiya Air Base 10–20 kilometers south of Sirte's center on 4 June, though ISIL recaptured it the following day. By 8 June, GNA fighters entered Sirte for the first time after capturing a bridge on the western outskirts. On 10 June, they captured two barracks, a bridge, and an intersection in the city, while the Libyan Navy secured the coast to block ISIL escape routes.

Street fighting intensified in June, with GNA forces securing the port, airport, and an eastern residential area by 12 June. By 21 June, GNA forces secured the '700' neighbourhood and gained ground in District No. 2. The offensive continued until August, when the GNA announced a final battle to completely capture the city. By early September, pro-GNA militias captured several buildings, including banks and a hotel, and cleared the last ISIL holdouts in the Jizah and neighbourhood 3 areas.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons