Libya: 21 dead in fierce fighting between Ansar al-Sharia islamists and Haftar ex-general’s forces in Benghazi
Fierce fighting between Islamists and a rogue Libyan general’s forces in Benghazi killed 21 people on Monday, as violence intensified following the launch of an “anti-terrorist” campaign.
Hospital officials in the eastern city, the birthplace of the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled dictator Muamar Gaddafi, said at least 11 soldiers were among the dead and 112 people wounded.
The government of outgoing prime minister Abdullah al-Thani said it was holding an “emergency meeting” on the violence, which residents said eased in the afternoon.