Islamist militias in Libya lose key area in Benghazi

Forces loyal to Libya’s internationally recognised government seized Lithi, a key area in Benghazi the second largest city in Libya, from Islamist militias on Tuesday.

#Libya: more and more civilians continue to return to their homes in al-Lithi, #Benghazi pic.twitter.com/oFcGkt8HFp

— Thomas van Linge (@arabthomness) February 23, 2016

The triumph came as Libya’s parliament again failed to vote on a UN-backed unity government seen as a crucial step in ending years of political chaos and conflict in the country.

According to Fadel al-Hassi of Libya’s special forces, the neighbourhood was totally liberated.

“The inscriptions on the wall were made by the Islamic State militants who had taken control of Lithi. They address divine laws and the militants treated us like we are not muslims,” said one of the fighters.

The town of Lithi had become a notorious nerve centre for the lslamic State militia who have taken advantage of the power vacuum in the north African country.