Security forces declared southern Misrata as a military area, imposing a curfew and preventing civilians and journalists from presiding in the area as of 8:00 p.m.

"As part of preparations for a decisive battle against Daesh militants, the Libyan forces will start as of today testing heavy weaponry in southern Misrata, Libya's third biggest cities" Misrata operations room said late on Saturday.

A new military operation was launched by Libyan forces after Daesh attacked Sadada Gate and took over the Abu Grein crossroads, which lies 120 kilometres south of Misrata.

Source: MENA