At least 12 militiamen in Libya were killed Wednesday in clashes with ’jihadists’ of the ISIL near the central city of Sirte, sources said.

At least 12 militiamen in Libya were killed Wednesday in clashes with 'jihadists' of the ISIL near the central city of Sirte, sources said.

The two sides have been engaged in sporadic fighting since Saturday around the city.

"Twelve heroes of the Libyan army have been killed treacherously at Noufliyeh", a stronghold of the jihadists, who have controlled large areas around Sirte since February, said authorities in Tripoli.

There were no immediate details on possible ISIL losses.

The Tripoli-based defense ministry said the clashes erupted at Sirte on Saturday after ISIL closed off the coastal road there to protest the arrest of 'jihadist' leaders.