East Libya-based forces said they carried out air strikes today on a coastal road west of Sirte, a day after nine of their men were killed in a strike by rivals.

The Libyan National Army (LNA) took control of Sirte, a strategically important city in the centre of Libya’s Mediterranean coastline, in a rapid advance on Monday as they are seeking to consolidate gains.

Since April, the LNA has also been waging a campaign to control Tripoli, about 370km (230 miles) northwest of Sirte, where both forces are battling.