Forces aligned with the Government of National Accord claimed that they withdrew from Sirte to avoid bloodshed and save the lives of civilians, the young soldiers as well, after their eastern rivals rapidly entered Sirte and took control.

” After studying the situation, our forces made a decision, to withdraw outside Sirte, then await orders,” the Sirte Protection Force claimed in a statement.

He also accused LNA fighters of burning homes and committing theft and looting in Sirte after entering the city.