Libyan Arab Armed Forces in place near Sirte

The self-styled Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) continued securing the western outskirts of the strategic coastal city of Sirte on Saturday after tightening their control over the city. The commander of the Al-Nahr Battalion of the LAAF, Colonel Mohamed Blash, congratulated the Libyan people on retrieving Sirte.

The commander of the battalion that played a prominent role in the retake of the key coastal city added that current conditions in the city are "excellent". This comes days after the LAAF forces, which are led by ex-general Khalifa Hifter, completely took control of the city of Sirte in a surprise attack that lasted about three hours. Libya's east-based forces have announced that they will abide by a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey that is to start Sunday.

If it holds, the ceasefire would be the country's first break in fighting in months, and the first brokered by international players. It comes as Libya is on the brink of a major escalation, with foreign backers of the rival Libyan governments stepping up their involvement on the ground.