Libya’s Benghazi clashes claim 75 lives in 5 days
At least 75 people have been killed in the northeastern Libyan city of Benghazi during five days of clashes between pro-government forces and militias.
At least 75 people have been killed in the northeastern Libyan city of Benghazi during five days of clashes between pro-government forces and militias.
In the latest wave of violence hitting the city on Sunday, nine people lost their lives.
According to reports, a woman was killed and her daughter injured in a bomb attack that targeted the vacant house of former General Khalifa Haftar, who has launched an offensive since Wednesday to drive the militants out of Benghazi.
Medical sources also said the bodies of eight people, including two soldiers, had been received.
Meanwhile, air raids made by units of the air force loyal to Haftar pounded militants’ positions.
The Libyan army has endorsed Haftar, while Prime Minister Omar al-Hassi -- who was appointed in August by Fajr (Dawn) Libya militiamen that took control of the capital Tripoli -- has supported the Benghazi armed groups.
Libya’s government and elected parliament has taken refuge in the eastern town of al-Baida after militiamen from the Fajr Libya seized the capital and most government institutions.
The new Tripoli rulers have set up a rival parliament and government not recognized by the international community.
Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.
The country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups that refuse to lay down their arms. The groups are now turning their guns on each other in an attempt to dominate politics and the country’s vast oil resources.
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