Analysts say the jihadis could simply melt  away into other areas of this confused and violent country.

IS took control of Sirte in February last year because it’s close to Europe and symbolically important.

The 80 000 residents of Mummar Gadaffi’s birthplace have fled.

Government forces have surrounded the city for three months.

Air strikes have helped government troops clear IS out of the last district it holds.

Condition are not ideal explains Amanda Kadlec, formerly an analyst with US Command Africa.

Success depends on the participation  of government militia which has not yet happened

IS has proved adept at exploiting weaknesses in government militia and has killed at least 38 government troops in this latest assault.

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