Benghazi (Libya) - Sources close to Libya's forces, loyal to Eastern-Libya strongman Khalifa Haftar, said that they launched offensive campaigns to oust jihadist from their last two strongholds in the second city Benghazi, AP reported. Riadh Chehibi, an officer in Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army, said the forces advanced in the central district of Al-Sabri and Souq al-Hout area near the port, where jihadists are surrounded. Haftar's forces retook certain positions from the jihadists, but reported no casualties among their ranks, Chehibi said. Khalifa Haftar is allied with the internationally recognized parliament in eastern Libya. Libya plunged into chaos after the 2011 ouster and killing of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Benghazi has been the scene of some of the worst fighting in the past three years between Hifter's forces and Islamic militants and former rebels. Hifter's Dignity operation has been ongoing for three years.
