TRIPOLI, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Forces loyal to the Libyan UN-backed government launched a military operation on Monday to pursue Islamic State (IS) remnants in areas east and southeast of Tripoli, a government spokesman said.

"According to the instructions of Prime Minister Fayez Serraj, a military operation called Homeland Storm was launched at Monday dawn to pursue the remnants of terrorist groups, mainly IS," said spokesman Mohamed Al-Sallak.

The operation started from the eastern city of Misurata, 200 km east of the capital Tripoli, covering valleys and the desert area of the nearby cities of Sirte, Bani Walid and Tarhouna, according to the spokesman.

"The operation will involve all government army units to pursue the remnants," Al-Sallak noted.

He did not give further details about the operation but said any further information will be announced in due time.

In late 2016, forces allied with the Libyan government expelled IS militants from Sirte, some 450 km east of Tripoli, while the remnants fled to the southern valleys and mountainous areas.

Despite the defeat in Sirte, the IS remnants have continued to carry out suicide attacks on military points of both the UN-backed government and the eastern-based army led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar.

The terrorist group on Friday claimed responsibility for a Thursday car bomb attack on a security check point in the eastern city of Ajdabiya, which killed at least five people.