Libyan army kills 3 militants in Benghazi

TRIPOLI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Libya's eastern-based army killed three militants during operations in the eastern city of Benghazi, an army source said Friday.

"The army's special forces units killed three terrorists during security and combat operations of Sidi Ekhrebish area," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"The special forces are still besieging a number of terrorists in the area," the source added, noting that the situation is "under full control."

"The terrorists were hiding in the rubble around the municipal hotel while the army was searching for fleeing terrorists," the source said.

On Thursday, the army announced the takeover of the area of Sidi Ekhrebish in central Benghazi, the last terrorist stronghold in the city, after operations that had lasted more than five months.

Benghazi, Libya's second largest city and the birthplace of the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi, has witnessed a three-year war between the army led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar and extremist militants.

In June, Haftar announced the takeover of the entire city of Benghazi and the defeat of rival armed groups. However, some militants have remained in the city, using landmines against his army. Enditem