MISTARAThe entrance hall of Misrata’s only hospital is crammed with beds reserved for fighters wounded in the battle to oust the Islamic State group from its Libyan stronghold Sirte. Pro-GNA forces entered Sirte on June 9 and have faced a barrage of sniper fire, suicide bombings and booby traps. More than 350 pro-GNA fighters have been killed and nearly 2,000 wounded in the battle, according to medical sources. Gliwan said delays in assaults by pro-GNA forces allowed IS to plant booby traps and mines that could cause critical injuries “that in many cases require amputation”. When the battle for Sirte began, many of its remaining staff were posted to field hospitals closer to the front line.

Source: Daily Nation August 19, 2016 17:26 UTC