You have commented 339 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Africa North
At least 57 die and 74 injured in Benghazi fighting today
2014-06-17
[Libya Herald] There are unconfirmed reports that Ansar Sharia lost 53 dead and 62 injured, many seriously, in the heavy fighting in Benghazi today with only four deaths and twelve injured among members of the Operation Dignity force.

The fighting was centred on Sidi Faraj where the Dignity troops had surrounded a camp used by Ansar Sharia. There were reports this morning that the compound had been overrun. However Mohammed Hejazi, the Dignity front man said that part of Sidi Faraj was still in Ansar Sharia hands.

Electric power, which was cut to much of the city around dawn was restored early in the afternoon. Some civilians fled the fighting and the least three were maimed and taken to Jalaa Hospital where they are still being treated.

Hejazi, who gave the casualty figures for both sides, told the Libya Herald that there were sources within Ansar Sharia who had confirmed the number of the Islamists' dead and injured. He said that bodies left on the street were loaded onto trucks by locals and taken away. He added that five Islamists were also captured, including three high-ranking members whom he did not name. He revealed however, that one was the head of operations in the 17 February brigade, nicknamed Bu Dalal.

Today was the first time that the Dignity forces had deployed tanks. Hejazi declined to say precisely how many tanks and self-propelled guns had been used in the assault on Sidi Faraj but insisted that none had been damaged in the fighting.
Posted by:Fred

#5  In related news:
Sources: Benghazi attack suspect captured, en route to US
Posted by: Squinty   2014-06-17 12:16  

#4  Sharia is not the answer.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305   2014-06-17 11:16  

#3  Operation Dignity force. sounds like it should be lead by slim trim General Al. (for a small fee, not a salary)
Posted by: Shipman   2014-06-17 05:29  

#2  Bu Dalal might make for an interesting discussion partner.
Posted by: Pappy   2014-06-17 00:49  

#1  
Get 'em General.
Posted by: Squinty   2014-06-17 00:08  

00:00