Libyan officials: Troops loyal to rogue general clash with Islamic militias in Benghazi

Published January 08, 2015

Libyan security officials say heavy fighting has broken out in the eastern city of Benghazi between forces loyal to a rogue general and Islamic militias.

The officials say gunbattles started early Monday when a group of militants attacked Benghazi's security headquarters where some of Gen. Khalifa Hifter's forces are based.

The officials are also saying that helicopter gunships flown by pilots loyal to the general have been bombing the base of the February 17 militia, as well as positions of another militia, the militant Ansar al-Shariah group, on the city's western outskirts.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.

The Benghazi-based Hifter is leading a military campaign against Islamists dominating Libya's political scene. He has vowed to crush them.

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