Fighting for Derna city in eastern Libya between the slef-styled army of Khalifa Haftar and Derna Security Force got more intense on Monday amid artillery fire and airstrikes.

Sources from the city reported "the most violent" fighting in Sahel Sahrqi neighborhood as Haftar's forces approached closer to the blocks inside the neighborhood under air and artillery cover.

Pro-Haftar military media posted photos of vehicles entering the neighborhood, where deaths and injuries on both sides were reported.

Meanwhile, despite the fact that Haftar's command confirmed they controlled Sahel Sharqi and Shiha areas in Derna, the city Security Force refuted their claim.

"We attacked Derna Security Force fighters in the city port." Haftar's command says, while local news operators say Haftar's forces now control those two areas up to Derna port from which the city fighters withdrew into downtown Derna.

"Next is liberating Derna operation." Haftar said in a statement posted by his command's media office on Monday afternoon.

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