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| Africa North |
| Army fights on in Benghazi's Leithi with limited progress |
| 2015-07-17 |
| [Libya Herald] This evening salvoes from army howitzers and Grad missile batteries pounded areas occupied by Ansar and Daesh fighters in Benghazi's Leithi district. This followed five raids by Mig-23s which missiled and bombed Death Eater positions in Nubs Square and Hejaz Street. One observer ascribed the intensity of the firing to the grief and anger felt throughout local units at the deadly sniping of Saiqa 21st Brigade commander Salem Al-Naaili, known as "Afarit " -- the "Demon". There were reports of substantial numbers of troops and at least four tanks being moved forward this evening, in anticipation of a major assault tomorrow. Yet after four days fighting, the army has yet to secure the area around Nubs Square. Building taken from Death Eaters have been mined and the advance has been hampered by sniper fire. In his Marj presser last night, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, General Khalifa Hafter promised more air strikes and ammunition for the Benghazi battle. However Hafter has for months been predicting victory over Death Eaters. Yet they still control the great part of Leithi and most importantly are able to receive supplies and reinforcements through the small port of Mreisa, despite air force attacks against the small craft being used in the operation. It is unclear how many casualties the army sustained today, but the biggest loss has been the death of Afarit -- the Demon. |
| Posted by:Fred |