Fighting rages on in Benghazi after Haftar declared his victory
East Libyan forces have lost at least 12 men, with 35 wounded, in fighting that raged in Benghazi despite a declaration of victory by their commander, medical and military officials said on Friday, Reuters reported.
Forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) are trying to sweep up the last pockets of resistance in Sabri, the final neighborhood in which rival armed groups still hold territory after a three-year battle for control of the city, according to Reuters.
On Wednesday evening, Haftar announced the end of the campaign in a televised speech.
Khalifa Haftar launched Operation Dignity to take Benghazi under his forces’ control from what he described as Islamist militants and terrorists in May 2014. Since then he has been struggling to do so despite the Egyptian, UAE, French, American and according to some reports, Russian and American backup.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
- Report alleges corruption in Derna reconstruction - December 21, 2024
- Boxing’s biggest purse: Fury-Usyk rematch set for $191m payday - December 21, 2024
- UN’s Libya envoy urges reforms as crisis deepens - December 21, 2024