By Ashraf Abdul-Wahab.
Tripoli, 26 January 2014:
Calm returned to Ajilat today after fighting yesterday when security forces were deployed in an operation . . .[restrict]to crush remaining pockets of Qaddafi supporters as well as alleged criminal gangs.
The operation was described by Joint Security Force sources as “decisive” and the town is now said to be fully under the security forces’ control.
Troubles broke out in the town eight days ago when after the Tamenhint airbase near Sebha was taken over by Qaddafi supporters, other pro-Qaddafi elements came out in Ajilat with green flags and pictures of the former dictator.
Yesterday’s operation started at dawn and continued until nightfall. There were clashes in the areas of Tayariya, Al-Jadida and Shebika, which were combed by the security forces. Takbirs (“Allahu Akbar”) could be heard from mosques in Ajilat and one inside the Al-Jadida area.
Sources from nearby Sabratha hospital said that it had received seven wounded members of the security forces as well as the bodies of five Qaddafi supporters. Several others were reported arrested, two being named as Fathi Fihri, who suffered severe injuries, and Hussam Fihri ,who was slightly injured. [/restrict]
