TUNIS, Tunisia: Libya’s internationally recognized government has appealed to Arab countries to carry out airstrikes against the local Daesh (Islamic State) affiliate which is expanding its hold on the coastal central city of Sirte.

The statement late Saturday came after the IS affiliate seized control of a new neighborhood in Sirte. The affiliate shelled the area, killed a senior cleric and hung the bodies of prisoners they killed over bridges. The government also called for an end to the arms embargo imposed since 2011.

The Arab League said Sunday it will hold an emergency meeting on Libya on Tuesday.

Egypt, which is lobbying for a more active international role in Libya against Daesh, has carried out multiple airstrikes inside Libya against Daesh, including some after the group killed 21 Egyptian hostages held in Libya.