LIBYAN ELITE UNIT JOINS RETIRED GENERAL’S FORCES

Benghazi, 21 Rajab 1435/20 May 2014 (MINA) – Libya is bracing for greater chaos as more troops are joining the forces commanded by retired General Khalifa Haftar.

An elite unit’s commander said on Monday that his troops are banding together with paramilitaries in the northeastern city of Benghazi.

Referring to the operation began by Haftar, Colonel Wanis Abu Khamada said, “We are joining the battle of dignity launched by the Libyan National Army with all our men and weapons.”

“The battle will continue until terrorism is eradicated,” Khamada added. Press TV quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) Monday as reporting.

Several other officers in the North African country, including air force personnel, have also joined Haftar’s loyalists.

Meanwhile, the government has proposed an initiative aimed at saving the country from plunging into civil war.

In an open letter published on the government’s website, Tripoli called on the parliament to “take a recess after the vote on the 2014 budget and until new parliamentary elections” are held within three months.

On Sunday, forces loyal to Haftar stormed the parliament building in the heart of Tripoli. They also used air forces against militant hideouts in Benghazi on Friday. Libyan authorities accused Haftar of trying to mount a coup.

In a joint statement released on Saturday, the army, government and parliament warned that the Friday raid is considered “an action outside state legitimacy and a coup d’état.”

The retired general lived in the United States for years before returning to Libya to join the 2011 revolt against former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Nearly three years after the fall of Gaddafi, Libya is still grappling with rising insecurity as the country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups that refuse to lay down arms despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order. (T/P012/P04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)