Clashes on Tuesday between Libyan pro-government forces and the Islamic State group killed 34 loyalist fighters and wounded 100 others in Sirte, a medical official said, updating an earlier toll.

Speaking from the western city of Misrata, the source said the death toll had risen from 18 to 34, with the number of wounded increasing from 70 to 100.

Pinned down around Sirte by forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, the jihadists have launched counter-attacks in recent weeks to defend their Libyan stronghold.