Libya: Army launches counter-offensive in Benghazi

Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - The special forces of the Libyan army Thursday launched a counter-offensive to retake its headquarters in the eastern city of Benghazi that fell into the hands of the Islamist militias Tuesday, PANA reported from here.

Residents reported hearing the sound of automatic gunfire and explosions around the military camps, where 35 dead bodies were retrieved over the past few days by the Libyan Red Crescent.

The counter-offensive came after a night of tension marked by anger from Benghazi residents, who came out Wednesday night to demonstrate against terrorism and the extremists.

PANA reports that the special forces and the Islamist groups, including Ansar Asharia, have engaged in fierce fighting in the volatile city in recent times, leaving over 100 dead and hundreds more injured.

The clashes came in the wake of ''Operation Karama'', launched 16 May by the forces of retired army General Khalifa Haftar against the Islamist militias and extremists in Benghazi.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/NA/SEG 31July2014