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Libya denounces Benghazi offensive as coup bid
[Iran Press TV] Libyan authorities have denounced an offensive launched by a retired army general against Death Eaters in the eastern city of Benghazi as a "coup" bid.In a joint statement released on Saturday, the army, government and parliament warned that the Friday raid by the National Army led by Khalifa Haftar is considered "an action outside state legitimacy and a coup d'état." "All those who took part in this coup bid will be prosecuted," said Nuri Abu Sahmein, the head of the interim parliament, reading from the statement on state television ... and if you can't believe state television who can you believe? . The statement also accused Haftar of using the surge in violence in Benghazi to "pursue personal gains or turn against the state legitimacy." "We call on Benghazi residents, the city of the revolution, to be steadfast and be united ... to get rid of those leading the coup and to protect the city," Abu Sahmein said. The Libyan government and parliament have also labeled the National Army forces as "outlaws." On the same day, the army declared a no-fly zone over Benghazi following the deadly festivities. This came after Haftar said his group would continue operations to flush out "terrorists" from Benghazi. On Friday, Haftar's loyalists known as the National Army, used air forces against the Death Eaters holed up in the region. Since then, at least 43 people have been killed and 150 injured in violent conflicts. Posted by: Fred 2014-05-18 |
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