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BENGHAZI. — More than 40 people were killed and dozens others injured after days of fierce clashes in Libya’s second largest city of Benghazi, security and medical sources said yesterday.
The Libyan national army has mounted massive assaults in Benghazi’s areas of Buhdeima, Buatni, Leithi, Gamfouda, Gawarsha, Halees and Sabri, attempting to wipe out the Islamist militants led by Ansar al-Sharia and its allies, a military official, who declined to disclose his name, told Xinhua.
The official said that the army dubbed the nanouver as “final offensive,” and tanks, warplanes, helicopters as well as missiles were used, attempting to eliminate the Islamist militants “once and for all.”
The national army, which has allied with some pro-secular militia, has been mounting attacks since last May trying to retake the city.
Sources at Jalaa Hospital and Benghazi Medical Center said they have received at least 13 dead and 62 wounded.
The local media Libya Herald quoted the army spokesperson as saying the national army has killed some 30 Ansar al-Sharia fighters, and three of their own soldiers died in combat.
Libya’s Red Crescent on Saturday said they have evacuated 118 people from the war zone, including foreigners stranded in a kidney disease hospital and 15 families from their home in Benghazi’s southern area.
Libyan national army last week announced that it has controlled Benghazi port area.
The port, vital to importing food and gasoline, fell to the Islamist militants last October. —Xinhua.
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