Libyan fighters close in on Islamic State bastion

BENGHAZI, Libya – A spokesman for Libyan militias loyal to the U.N.-brokered government says fighters have seized a power station 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the Islamic State-held city of Sirte.

Mohammed Shamia told The Associated Press that militias mostly from the western city of Misrata took over the plant and a district called Wadi Jarf, on the outskirts of Sirte, on Wednesday.

He says three militiamen were killed and 14 wounded. He texted a picture showing a militia vehicle next to the plant.

He says the militias are also advancing toward the city’s air base, held by IS militants.

IS has exploited the turmoil gripping Libya since the 2011 uprising that ended Moammar Gadhafi’s four-decade rule.