Ground forces have begun a full-scale assault against Bani Walid in a major escalation of clashes that began on Tuesday.

The attack marks the apparent termination of efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis, with further casualties on both sides being reported throughout today, Thursday.

“We have started to enter Bani Walid and we are not far away from the centre of the town”, said army spokesman Mohammed El-Gandus. “If we win this fight, Libya will finally be free.”

Units from the national army were dispatched by General Yusuf Mangoush earlier today, with the intention of entering Bani Walid peacefully following an agreement to that effect brokered by a government delegation with local leaders on Saturday.

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