Libyan army forces makes gains in Benghazi clashes

Fierce clashes between Tobruk-backed forces and Islamists continued in Benghazi around the sprawling headquarters of the Islamist ‘17 February Brigade’.

‘Operation Dignity’, which is being led by renegade general Khalifa Haftar, has claimed to have forced its way into the massive camp which stretches from central Benghazi to the university, in Garyounis – the Libya Herald reports.

A senior Dignity commander said that pro-government forces had secured the majority of the area.

Sky News Arabia reported that Dignity forces were now wholly in control of the camp.

Tanks were deployed in and around the 17 February Brigade, while a series of secret meetings saw Dignity forces supplying the 204 Battalion with weapons and ammunition ahead of the day’s attacks. The tank brigade, which is based in Fweihat, managed to stay neutral during months of clashes between pro-government forces and Benghazi Revolutionaries’ Shura Council (BRSC) in which 17 February is a major player.

The 204 Battalion’s decision to join Dignity as believed to have provoked a suicide attack yesterday morning on its headquarters, which is in close proximity to 17 February Brigade camp.

Tanks were used to destroy the walls surrounding 17 February Brigade and the initial onslaught was supported from the air. The attack was met by indiscriminate shelling from within, with damage reported to Benghazi University and surrounding residential buildings.

Medical staff at Benghazi Medical Centre (BMC), the hospital closest to where the fighting has taken place, reported three dead and four injured in the clashes so far, although this figure was expected to rise.

Elsewhere, BRSC forces reportedly abandoned long-held checkpoints to join the fighting nearer the centre of the city.

In Buhdeima, where turnout for armed demonstrations in support of Operation Dignity was expected to be greatest, the revenge killing of a member of Ansar Al-Sharia was reported.

Businesses have also been attacked. A well-known Kudu restaurant in Dubai street was hit by an RPG early this morning apparently because its management is believed to have been supporting the Islamist organisation Ansar Al-Sharia.  There are also reports of the homes of Benghazi businessmen believed to be supporting Ansar being set on fire.

The Sidi Khalifa home of Islamist militiaman Mohamed Al-Araibi, known as Bouka, was also reported to have been seized by the army, weapons captured and everyone there arrested.

Elsewhere in Benghazi, where fighting has not taken place, the streets were deserted. There has been a relative lull in the clashes but the residents have said they are bracing themselves for what may come later.