Forces loyal to Libya's eastern government have seized control of two key neighbourhoods in Benghazi, building gains made against Islamic fighters. According to Libyan military, they now have full control of the districts of Boatni and Laithi, while claiming advances in other locations.
Residents of Benghazi celebrated alongside the loyalist fighters, with some flashing victory signs next to the bombed-out shells of buildings, while others fired celebratory shots into the air. Many Libyan's returned to their homes for the first time in months to examine the damage.
Benghazi has seen some of the worst violence in the conflict that has plagued Libya sine the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, five years ago. Benghazi is also where US ambassador Christopher Stevens was killed by militants in 2011, along with three other Americans. Now, a unity government nominated under a UN-backed plan, is struggling to win support with Libya, but its progress has been hindered by political arguments as the warfare continues.
Libyans celebrate in the streets of Benghazi after a string of gains against Islamist militiasAbdullah Doma/ AFPA fighter loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government checks a damaged house in Benghazi after they seized the centre of the eastern coastal cityAbdullah Doma/ AFPA fighter loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government checks a damaged house in Benghazi, after the seizeAbdullah Doma/ AFPA fighter loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government walks along damaged a street in Benghazi after they seized the centre of the eastern coastal cityAbdullah Doma/ AFPFighters loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government celebrate in the street in Benghazi, LibyaAbdullah Doma/ AFPA fghter loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government walks in a street of BengahziAbdullah Doma/ AFPA Libyan woman flashes the sign for victory next to a fighter loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government in Benghazi after they seized the centre of the eastern coastal cityAbdullah Doma/ AFPA soldier loyal to Libya's eastern government walks down a street in Benghazi, LibyaReutersFighters loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government celebrate as they come close to seizing the centre of Libya's eastern coastal city of BenghaziAbdullah Doma/ AFPMilitary forces loyal to Libya's eastern government are pictured on a street in Benghazi, LibyaReutersLibyans celebrate in the streets of Benghazi after Libyan military seize two areas of BenghaziAbdullah Doma/ AFPMilitary forces loyal to Libya's eastern government are pictured on a street in Benghazi, LibyaReutersA fighter loyal to Libya's internationally recognised government celebrates in the street in BenghaziAbdullah Doma/ AFPDestroyed buildings are pictured after clashes between military forces loyal to Libya's eastern government and Islamist fighters, in Benghazi, LibyaReuters