Militias Form New Coalition in Libya’s Derna
Local Editor
Extremist militias in the eastern Libyan town of Derna say they have formed a new coalition ahead of an expected assault by pro-government forces.
"Everybody saw what happened in Benghazi: disaster; institutions destroyed; houses demolished; mosques and universities burned by the criminal hands of Haftar's supporters," said the newly formed so-called "Mujahedeen" Shura Council.
Forces loyal to former general Khalifa Haftar and Abdullah al-Thani, Libya's
internationally recognized prime minister, are fighting to wrest full control of Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi from militants.
In its statement issued late on Friday, the "Mujahedeen Shura Council" called on everyone in Derna to join the new coalition.
It also addressed fighters in Benghazi, saying: "We are with you in the war against the criminal Haftar and his soldiers".
Ahead of the announcement, the militants staged a military parade in Derna, with tanks and combatants carrying black flags.
Since the 2011 uprising, Libya has been sliding deeper into crisis, torn by rival governments, parliaments and powerful militias.
A top US military general said last week that the "ISIL" group has set up training camps in eastern Libya and that the American military is closely monitoring the situation.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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