By Libya Herald reporter.
Tobruk, 10 November 2014:
Clashes have been reported in Derna between Islamists and local members of the Mansouri clan, . . .[restrict]a branch of the Obeida tribe.
They apparently follow the refusal by Hassan Abu Dhahab Al-Mansouri,an Islamist commander in the town, to comply with a demand from Mansouri elders that he remove his forces from Sidi Khaled district, an area inhabited by the clan. The elders are said to support the Libyan National Army.
According to the latest report, the clashes have now stopped but the Mansouris have blocked the road from Derna to Beida.
In what is seen as a related move, last night it was announced that an armed unit supporting Operation Dignity was in Ain Mara, between Gubba and Derna, and was planning to move towards Derna to fight against Ansar Al-Sharia.
Meanwhile, a source in Operation Dignity, usually very talkative, would say no more other than to confirm that an operation was taking place in the Islamist stronghold.
A reliable local eye-witness told the Libya Herald today that army units are now near Derna and that it is surrounded.
Meanwhile, the headless bodies of two young Derna activists were found this evening in the eastern part of the town. The two, named as Seraj Gatash (21) and Mohamed Batu (19), said to have been supporters of bringing back the army and police to Derna, were reported kidnapped four days ago.
The method of their murder is consistent with that of Deash, to which the local Shoura Council of Islamic Youth have pledged allegiance. [/restrict]
