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By Maha Suliman.
Benghazi, 5 November 2014:
Fighting has continued across Benghazi between pro-government forces and Benghazi Revolutionaries Shoura Council . . .[restrict](BRSC) with sporadic clashes in several of the city’s districts.
At least three members of the Libyan National Army (LNA) were killed in Benghazi’s Laithi district in the skirmishes. The men have been identified as Hassan Ali Al-Orafi, Muad Khalifa Al-Ramli and Ahmed Mohamed Al-Sheikhi, according to military sources.
Volunteers from the Libyan Red Crescent have been evacuating individuals from their homes in Laithi in the wake of the clashes. Head of Saiqa Special Forces Investigations Unit Fadel Al-Hassi told the Libya Herald that fighting in the area was expected to intensify over the coming hours as LNA forces with support from residents attempted to assert control over the district.
In response to the gathering momentum of government forces, masked Ansar Al-Sharia gunmen have been seen gathering at some houses in Laithi and preparing for street battles, according to remaining residents. The area is seen as a Islamist stronghold.
In Bel Awn and Fuwayhat , clashes have been reported near 204 Tank Brigade’s base. Ansar has reportedly forced residents from their homes in the areas but i also said to be using the presence of nearby civilians as cover to prevent attacks from the air force. The Islamist forces have also reportedly been massing at an abandoned market, Suq Al-Am.
Meanwhile, a Benghazi Medical Centre doctor, Mohammed Swei, was killed not far from the hospital where he worked after a missile landed on his house. He apparently returned home to comfort his family when he heard there were rockets landing nearby, according to his neighbours. Swei died from shrapnel wounds to the head. An orthopaedic specialist, he was 29 years old.
An Ansar Al-Sharia leader was captured in Ras Al-Baida last night. Fawzi Rabia, who had gone into hiding after pro-govrnment supporters destroyed his home. was reportedly found with an Egyptian Ansar Al-Sharia fighter.
Military sources said further army reinforcements arrived in Benghazi today to help secure the city. A convoy of some 40 vehicles, including tanks and APCs carrying some 160 troops, arrived from Tobruk.
Clashes also continued in Sabri where government forces are battling for control of Benghazi’s port. However the fighting did not have the intensity of the previous two day’s fighting.
Follow Maha Suliman on Twitter: @Mahasye
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