At least 18 people were killed in violent battles in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi between the renegade general Khalifa Hafter's forces and Islamic militias, making the death toll rise to 52, medical sources said on Friday.
During the past two days, at least 34 people were killed in an attack launched by the army-backed forces of Major General Hafter. However, Friday's clashes were the most violent in a densely populated area.
The clashes broke out early Friday between the armed citizens who support the army and the forces of retired Major General Khalifa Hafter. According to eyewitnesses, heavy, medium and light weapons were used in the clashes, which continued all day while residents were stuck and unable to flee.
In other areas, helicopters launched air raids on areas of Laithi, Boatni and Al-Masakin, which were located in the southeast of the city on the road leading to the Benghazi international airport, where the army is stationed. Several explosions and random shooting were also heard in different parts of the city, according to local witnesses.
Haftar, who played a major role in toppling Libya's former leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been waging a war on Benghazi's Islamist armed groups since May.
However, Haftar's secular-leaning forces recently met several major setbacks and have lost most of their bases in Benghazi. His troops now only control Benghazi's Beinina Airport and its surrounding areas.
Libya has witnessed a drastic escalation of violence after the 2011 turmoil that ousted and killed Gaddafi. The Islamist militants and pro-secular militia have been vying for cities and towns for months, and fighting still flares near Tripoli, Benghazi and Gharyan.