The Libyan army under General Khalifa Haftar on Wednesday began attacking an Islamic State (ISIS) stronghold in Sirte.
The attack goes against an ultimatum issued by the national unity government under Fayez Al-Sarraj to halt all military operations in the region.
Prime Minister-Designate Sarraj had previously urged Haftar to suspend preparations for an attack on Sirte prior to the formation of a unified body coordinating Misrata militias as well, in order to prevent possible clashes between the rival Libyan factions.