Off the wire
• China to crack down on threats to rural stability  • Spotlight: People in Mideast struggle for peace, stability in 2017  • Tokyo stocks close marginally higher after BOJ's surprise bond-buying operation  • Yao Ming warmly welcomed in Houston before jersey retirement  • Spotlight: Pentagon chief's THAAD reaffirmation to deepen S. Korea's fake mythology  • Albania's top prosecutor, U.S. ambassador trade barbs over judicial reform  • China treasury bond futures close lower Friday  • China Hushen 300 index futures close lower Friday  • Chinese shares close lower Friday  • 1st Ld Writethru: Insider attack kills 8 policemen in N. Afghan province  
You are here: 　 Home

9 Libyan army soldiers killed in Benghazi

Xinhua, February 3, 2017 Adjust font size:

Nine Libyan army solders have been killed in the eastern city of Benghazi in clashes with militants after the army took control of a crucial area in the city, according to a military source on Friday.

The army took control of Ganfouda district recently, an area known as "12 blocks" that used to be a haven for militants in Benghazi.

The Libyan army, led by Major General Khalifa Haftar, has been waging a war for more than two years against militant groups in Benghazi, a military operation Haftar calls "Dignity".

Despite ground success, the army still does not have full control of the city.

An army spokesman said the area has been secured on Thursday, revealing that the air forces have targeted militant positions.

The spokesman said the troops are still making progress on ground, and the army took over heavy artillery and tanks the militants left behind.

Libya has been suffering insecurity and violence since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country is plagued with political division and unrest. Endit