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Fierce clashes as pro-government forces push into central Benghazi
[Libya Herald] Heavy fighting... as opposed to the more usual name-calling or slapsy... in central Benghazi raged throughout the night and into this morning as pro-government forces pushed into the heart of the city. Libyan National Army (LNA) vehicles with mounted antiaircraft guns have been positioned on the city's main thoroughfare of Jamal Abdel Nasser Street, appearing to rally before moving further into Benghazi's contested downtown area. Fighting between army and Islamist forces from Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council (BRSC) began last night in the Salmani and Kish districts. Civilians and armed vigilante groups from both sides have reportedly joined the fray. The festivities in Salmani have centred around the Al-Jaraa roundabout, one of the largest in the city, and a long-held Ansar al-Sharia ...a Salafist militia which claims it is not part of al-Qaeda, even though it works about the same and for the same ends. There are groups of the same name in Libyaand Yemen, with the Libyan versions currently most active. Tunisia's Shabaab al-Tawhid started out an Ansar al-Sharia and changed its name in early 2014. It still uses the old name now and then, probably because the stationery's not all used up and the web site hasn't expired yet... checkpoint. One resident told the Libya Herald that he and his family had endured hours of heavy gunfire and shelling. No casualties have yet been reported from the festivities and medical and Red Islamic Thingy officials could not be reached by phone, however, there are believed to have been a significant number. Further fighting has continued elsewhere in the city. Several people are believed to have been killed when shells fell on a funeral gathering in the Majouri district. Photos circulated on social media show a funeral tent and the area surrounding it drenched in blood. There have also been reports of casualties from fighting on Ashreen Street where local residents are said to be exchanging RPG fire in a related personal battle. One family identified as the Bushwagier family, supporters of the army, have attack a family of Ansar al-Sharia supporters, the Rabia family, after accusing them of abducting a family member. Both have resorted to heavy mortar fire which is said to have hit surrounding buildings Fighting has also continued in and around Garyounis near Benghazi University which was hit by missiles yesterday. The ongoing festivities predominantly involve 17 February Brigade and Brega Martyrs Brigade ...aligned with BenghaziâsRevolutionary Shura Council and the forces ranged against Operation Dignity. Part of the ramshackle coalition of brigades that opened fire on the Libyan Congress building ecause their chosen prime ministerial candidate Omar Al-Hassi failed to win a vote. Al-Hassi went on to start his own rival government in Tripoli... on the side of BRSC and the 204 Tank Brigade. Eyewitnesses have reported Both the Libya Red Islamic Thingy and Saiqa Special forces have issued statements about the fighting, asking residents to remain indoors wherever possible as the city witnesses its fiercest festivities in two weeks. The Red Islamic Thingy has asked the people of Benghazi to stay away from windows, try to stay in central rooms and stay downstairs. Saiqa has told residents to protect their homes, remain inside and not to impede the work of the national army. Posted by: Fred 2014-10-30 |
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