Libya violence: Fighting escalates in key city of Derna

The latest battle for control of the besieged city in eastern Libya has cost the lives of at least 16 fighters.

Sixteen fighters have been killed and 11 others wounded in the eastern Libyan city of Derna.

Fighting has intensified between forces loyal to renegade General Khalifa Haftar and local militias.

Haftar’s forces say they have taken about 75 percent of Derna, which is the last eastern city out of their control.

Thousands of evacuees have fled the city over the last few weeks.

Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud Abdelwahed reports from Tripoli.