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| Africa North |
| Libya's General Haftar denies escape report |
| 2014-08-02 |
| [Iran Press TV] Libya's retired General Khalifa Haftar has dismissed media reports over his escape from the country following a raging battle in the city of Benghazi. "General Haftar has not left Libya and is currently preparing for a major military operation in Benghazi," his front man Mohammed al-Hegazi said on Thursday. Hegazi, however, did not provide any further details about the operation. According to military officials and residents, the Libyan army troops, backed by forces loyal to Haftar, had to abandon their main camp in southeastern Benghazi on Tuesday after coming under Death Eater attack. At least 35 soldiers were killed in the assault. "Special forces under the command of (Colonel) Wanis Abu Khamada withdrew after several attacks," an unnamed army official said. Haftar launched a military offensive in the country's east on May 16, vowing to crush the Death Eaters and "establish stability in Libya." Libyan authorities have denounced Haftar's attack as a "coup" bid. Meanwhile, ...back at the chili cook-off, Chuck reached for the green sauce... Libya's new parliament, which was elected last month, will hold an emergency meeting on Saturday. The parliament was due to meet in Benghazi but then decided to convene in the city of Tobruk over security concerns. "In light of the dangerous situation in the country, we decided to hold an emergency meeting in Tobruk," said Abu Bakr Biira, a senior MP. |
| Posted by:Fred |