Local sources in the city of Sirte say that a military aircraft was seen frequently in the skies of the city.

"The aircraft is a MiG-23 and is monitoring any military movements around the city of Sirte," a source at the Sirte Protection Operations Center told Alwasat on Tuesday.

A military source from the Air College of Misrata also tells Alwasat that a plane belonging to the College is carrying out reconnaissance trips over Sirte for the purpose of "monitoring any military movements in the area around the city."

Sirte Security and Protection Force loyal to Libya's Government of National Accord has declared a state of emergency and mobilization after the Libyan National Army moved forward to the southern outskirts of the city.

"Any attack on the city will mean a declaration of war and its consequences will turn into a disaster," a statement issued by the security and protection force in Sirte noted.

Meanwhile, social media users have posted videos of Libyan National Army forces which is led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, patrolling near the southern gate of the city.