Libyan eastern-based army concludes military actions in Benghazi

TRIPOLI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Libya's eastern-based army on Saturday concluded all the military operations against extremists in the eastern city of Benghazi, a military source said.

"The army's special units concluded all military operations in Sidi Ekhrebish area after securing the area and pursuing the fleeing terrorists," the source said.

"Five terrorists have been killed, and many terrorists bodies have been found in the area," the source added, noting that Libyan Red Crescent teams have been called upon to recover the bodies.

The army announced on Thursday taking control of the whole area of Sidi Ekhrebish in central Benghazi, the last terrorist stronghold in the city, after operations that lasted more than five months.

Dozens of extremists fled after the army forces took control of the area. The army killed three fleeing terrorists on Thursday.

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