Libya: Fierce fighting continues in Benghazi between Islamists and Libyan army

Benghazi, Libya (PANA) – Fierce fighting that broke out on Friday evening between the Libyan army and Islamist militias in the locality of al-Sabri, where the army is attempting to oust the Islamists, has continued on Saturday, say military sources.

"The military forces in Benghazi are engaged in fierce fighting between the Choura Council of Benghazi revolutionaries, in al-Sabri, after their advance," said the sources who added that the battle was now close to the centre of al-Sabri and that the army had seized a building controlled by the armed groups.

The sources say that it is possible an important personality is present in the building because of the fierce resistance by the Islamist militants and the presence of snipers on the roofs of houses causing the death of several soldiers.

The mines planted in the zone have caused the destruction of several houses and infrastructure.

In another development, the spokesperson for the Department of Safety in Benghazi, Lieutenant Tarek al-Kharraz, announced the establishment of a new system called “Support Force to the Security” which involves 3,000 policemen.

He said that the security system included all sections, anti-riot and anti-drug brigades, stressing that the system would have the mission to secure the city of Benghazi, according to the plan established in that respect.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/MSA/MA 20Dec2014