Six years ago today, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced the liberation of Benghazi from terrorist groups. The victory was a major turning point in the Libyan Civil War, and it marked the beginning of a new era of security and stability for the second-largest city in the country.
“Today, your armed forces bring you the news of the liberation of the city of Benghazi from terrorism, a complete and unambiguous liberation. It declares the victory of your national army in the battle of Dignity against terrorism, a victory from Allah Almighty,” LNA commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar said in a statement announcing the liberation.
“Benghazi will enter a new era of security, peace, reconciliation, harmony, construction, development, and the return to our homes, after breaking the chains of oppression, humiliation, fear, and terror that terrorism sought to build within us. In their place, we will foster feelings of tranquility, joy, hope, and self-confidence, and together, we will draw our path toward the future with our free will,” the Marshal added.
The battle to liberate Benghazi was a significant event that shook Libya, marking the end of evil forces in defiant Benghazi and the beginning of a new phase in the war against terrorism and the restoration of the nation.
The Battle of Dignity, launched by the LNA in May 2014, was just the beginning. Since that day, the LNA has not wavered in targeting the strongholds of terrorism and extremism.
On the morning of Friday, May 16, 2014, the first bullet was fired, accompanied by the flight of Libyan Air Force fighter jets, striking the headquarters of militias in the extremist “February 17 Brigade” camp, the “Libya Shield 1” brigade, and the Ansar al-Sharia terrorist organization. The army’s advance extended to the southwest of Benghazi, specifically to the southwestern gate of the city, which was under the control of the organization.
In May 2016, army forces gained control over about 90 percent of the city, including the main Ansar-Shalararia stronghold in the Laithi neighborhood, Benghazi University, and the Cement Factory. This marked the beginning of a new phase in the battle, with the formation of the “Benghazi Defense Brigades” alliance in June 2016 to support the fighters of the Shura Council and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
The army was not only fighting local terrorists, but it also faced regional forces supporting terrorist and extremist movements in Libya at the time. These countries funded those groups and supported them with weapons and equipment, openly declaring their opposition to the Battle of Dignity, with the aim of forming an extremist force to counter the LNA and its attacks to liberate Benghazi from extremists. However, they all failed in their attempts.
The operations carried out by the Libyan groups supporting the LNA after the liberation of the city revealed hundreds of boxes of weapons and ammunition, written documents, and Qatari and Turkish communication devices, as well as devices belonging to terrorist leaders affiliated with the fighting group.
The LNA restored security and stability to Benghazi and the surrounding cities after breaking the chains of terrorism and defeating it. It turned Benghazi into a graveyard for these extremists, and life returned to the city. Businessmen opened markets, international stores, and companies that contributed to reviving the city’s economy and providing job opportunities for hundreds of young people. It has become an attractive area for investment.
The liberation of Benghazi was a major victory for the LNA and the Libyan people. It marked the end of a dark chapter in Libya’s history, and it paved the way for a new era of peace and stability.