Libyan protesters stormed the headquarters of internationally-recognized presidential council at Abu Sitta Naval Base, as gunfire was heard. Libya Telecom. They also evacuated Libya Telecom, neighboring the presidential council headed by Fayez Al Sarraj, from the employees.
Thousands of Libyans took the streets on late Friday to express their protest against the presence of armed militias in the Libyan capital. They expressed their support for leader of Libya’s army, Marshal Khalifa Haftar days after clashes that turned the city into a warzone.
The militants attempted to disperse the demonstrators, as they used the weapons against them pushing a large number of demonstrators to escape, while other militants kidnapped the staff of media channel 218, as they broadcast images about the demonstrations.
The demonstrators raised slogans reading “Yes for the police and army… No for militias,” while others raised “leave Tripoli safe and stable.” They also chanted against the militias calling for the unity of the Libyan army and police. A large number of protesters expressed their support for Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
On his hand, Marshal Haftar commented on the protests, saying, “We say to those who expressed their support for the Libyan army that your armed forces will not undermine your aspirations. We will return Tripoli as a symbol of civilization and peace.”
On his hand, Spokesperson of Libyan army Ahmed Al Mesmari said that the Libyan forces managed to arrest six foreign fighters working with the extremist militants in Benghazi during the fight there. He added the Libyan army has no relation with the presidential council as it has not been recognized by the parliament, saying that the army is not a part of any political conflict.
Military sources revealed that a Libyan fighter jet “MIG-21” has been destroyed in Benghazi’s area of Sabri, while its pilot has survived. They added that he suffered broken and bruised, saying that his health condition is stable, as he has been transferred to the hospital to receive treatment.
According to the military sources, the jet dropped because technical problem, as it was performing combat and reconnaissance mission. Spokesperson of Libyan army Ahmed Al Mesmari said that the reasons of the jet’s drop has not been known, saying that there is a possible attack targeted it.