Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Libya has waged an unofficial military offensive against rebel strongholds in the east.

Officials said the Libyan military launched a campaign against Islamist militias around the eastern city of Benghazi.

The officials said the offensive included ground troops, armored fighting vehicles, fighter-jets and attack helicopters.

“This is a large-scale operation to flush terrorist groups out of Benghazi,” military spokesman Mohammed Al Hijazi said.

The offensive was said to have been led by a regime-backed militia called the National Army. Officials said the National Army, under the command of Gen. Khalifa Hifter, attacked Benghazi on May 16 and at least 43 people were killed. In February 2014, Hifter announced that he headed the Libyan Army.

“The military operation will continue until the Benghazi terrorists are eliminated,” Hifter said on May 17.

The targets of Hifter’s offensive were identified as Ansar Al Sharia,
Feb. 17 Brigade as well as Rafallah Al Sahati, which operate bases in
Benghazi. The rebels were using anti-aircraft fire against the air force,
and later the military declared a no-fly zone over the city.

“We urge the army and revolutionaries to oppose any armed group that
tries to control Benghazi by force of arms,” Libyan Chief of Staff Gen.
Abdul Salem Al Salihin said.

So far, the government has denied ordering the offensive. But officials
said a fighter-jet and 120 combat vehicles attacked Benghazi without
government permission.

“This is an attempt to use the current security situation to stand
against the revolution,” Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdullah Al Thini
said.

  Ansar Al Sharia, Gen. Khalifa Hifter, Mohammed Al Hijazi, Out of Benghazi: Libyan-backed militia operation aims to ‘flush’ terror groups