1st LD-Writethru: Three Libyan soldiers killed in clashes with IS militants near oil field
Xinhua,February 04, 2018 Adjust font size:
TRIPOLI, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Three Libyan army troops were killed on Saturday in clashes with Islamic State (IS) militants near Dahra oil field in Zalla town, said a military unit of army's Oil Installation Guards.
"Initial results indicate that three members of the force were killed and two others injured, and two terrorists were also killed," the statement said.
An army official said the ongoing military operation was launched after the deadly bombing of a train station on Friday claimed by the IS.
"The military operation launched by army units and Oil Installations Guards is aimed at pursuing IS fighters. Many armed vehicles of IS fighters were destroyed," the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Zalla, a desert town in Al-Jufra district, is one of Libya's most oil-rich areas, containing five major oil fields.
Al-Jufra is located in an important strategic location, connecting cities of the west, east and south of Libya.
The municipality of Al-Jufra is under the control of the eastern-based army led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar. Enditem