Libya: Islamic State Ambush Near Benghazi Kills Three Soldiers
By MISNA
Three soldiers loyal to the General National Congress (GNC) – the authority recognized by the international community – were killed in an ambush claimed by the Islamic State (IS) near Benghazi. According to the Lana news agency, close to the GNC, another 4 soldiers were injured in the attack that targeted a checkpoint around 8km from the city, capital of Cyrenaica.
Benghazi, epicenter of the revolt that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, has been theater to over a year of violent fighting between armed groups for control over the oil-rich region. Among these also Ansar al Sharia fighters, close to al Qaeda and IS, which imposed control over Sirte, 450km east of Tripoli.
Meanwhile, the delicate peace talks mediated by the UN envoy Bernardino Leon continue in Geneva. The mediators and international community hope for a deal by September 20 for the formation of a unity government to restore stability in the nation.
