Clashes broke out in Benghazi Friday between militant fighters and Libyan forces led by a retired general, according to AFP and witnesses.
Khalifa Haftar, who played a key role in the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, had support from warplanes against the “February 17 Brigade” militia.
Militants responded with intense artillery fire, while the country’s official army denied any involvement in the fighting. However, Chief of Staff Abdessalem Jadallah al-Salihin did tell local television in a statement to “oppose any armed group that tries to control Benghazi by force of arms,” AFP reports.
Libya’s second city has become home to increasing militia groups since the uprising. Attacks targeting security forces are now commonplace, where weapons are easily attainable.
