Libyan army declares Benghazi liberated

Tripoli July 6 (IANS) The Libyan National Army (LNA) has defeated rival militant groups and taken control of Benghazi after three years of fierce fighting the military s eastern-based commander has said.

Major General Khalifa Haftar the commander of the eastern-based LNA in a televised speech on Wednesday announced that his troops have completely liberated the city of Benghazi from terrorism. We announce the army s victory in the battle of dignity against terrorism the BBC reported.

Haftar s forces allied with the eastern-based authorities were fighting militant groups in the major rebel stronghold of Benghazi in a military campaign called Dignity Operation.

Haftar said the liberation of the city was a historic occasion that the Libyan people waited for a long time.

He thanked the brave soldiers and the friendly countries for supporting Libya in the war against terrorism.

Haftar s army now controls major eastern oil ports as well as a large airbase in southern Libya.

Libya is still trapped in turmoil and a political divide despite the signing of a UN-backed peace agreement and the establishment of a unity government.

--IANS
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