By Libya Herald reporters.
Benghazi, 24 July 2015:
Fighting today in Benghazi was most intense in the Sabri area close to the port, . . .[restrict]as the army tried to cut the Jumhouriya Hospital road that leads toward the Suq Al-Hout. This would isolate the remaining Daesh forces in Sabri.
It is thought their position would then become critical, since it is reported that army units have occupied a key shoreline position which means that fire can now be directed at any craft trying to bring in supplies for the terrorists.
It is understood that the main troops involved in the Sabri fighting are from the Ministry of Interior’s “Special Operations force”, which was described to the Libya Herald as an anti-terrorist unit. It has been moved into Benghazi from Berses, a small town to the east of the city, where it controlled a major checkpoint.
For the second consecutive day, Sabri was hit in a series of airstrikes. Meanwhile, the conflict in Leithi has been limited. The army has still failed to securely completely Nubs Square, which is considered to be a crucial strategic position. At least one Ansar fighter is reported to have been killed.
The army is claiming to have made progress in its push towards Hawari, recovering ground in Sidi Faraj and Butani. Last year militants pushed troops out of Sidi Faraj which they had earlier retaken. In today’s exchanges, it is being said by a military source that a senior Ansar Al-Sharia commander, Abdullah Buzgia, lost a leg.
The fighting to reach Daesh’s main supply point in the small port of Mreisa has also continued though it is understood that there has been no movement in the front line. The fighting in Sabri was still going on this evening.
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