Dozens of Libyan Troops Killed in Benghazi Attacks, Clashes

Local Editor

Dozens of soldiers were killed and more than 70 wounded in car bomb attacks and clashes between troops and extremists around Benghazi airport, a Libyan army spokesman said Friday, as the UN threatened sanctions.

"Thirty-six soldiers were killed on Thursday in three car bomb attacks, followed by fighting between the army and Islamists", a special forces unit spokesman said.
Two car bombs exploded when an army convoy travelled past close to the airport, taking out three soldiers, the spokesman said.

Later, a third bombing attack struck, also near the airport.

Libya has been sliding into chaos since longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi was toppled in a NATO-backed uprising three years ago, with interim authorities confronted by powerful militias that fought to oust him.

Parliament, which was elected in June, is recognized by the international community but contested by the militia controlling capital Tripoli and Islamists holding much of the eastern city of Benghazi.
The cradle of the uprising, Benghazi is now the regular scene not only of fighting but also the murder of members of the security forces, political activists and journalists.
General Sagr al-Jerushi, an aide to Haftar, said warplanes and helicopters were being used to repulse the extremists' advance on the airport.

In New York, the UN Security Council on Thursday threatened sanctions against those who reject peace in Libya.

In a unanimous statement, the 15 members of the council "expressed their readiness to use targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against individuals or entities that threatened Libya's peace and stability or undermined its political transition".

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team