Libyan forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar said on Monday that they took control of the strategic coastal city of Sirte in a fast advance preceded by air strikes.

Sirte is an important gain for Haftar, who since April has been waging a military offensive on the capital, Tripoli.

Libyan National Army (LNA) said it took areas surrounding Sirte, including al-Qardabiya air base, before moving towards the city centre.

“It was a well-planned, pre-emptive strike and within less than three hours we were in the heart of Sirte,” said LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari.

“It was a sudden, swift operation,” he added.

A citizen in Sirte told Reuters in a phone call: “We can see convoys of LNA inside Sirte city … they control large parts of the city now. We also can hear gunfire.”