The Libyan Airforce under the command of the Government of National Accord launched on Sunday night intense drone strikes in the western cities of Surman and Sabratha.
The airstrikes destroyed an ammunition warehouse in Sabratha in addition to other military locations for warlord Haftar’s armed groups in both cities.
Early on Monday, government forces launched a massive operation to retake the two cities from Haftar’s grip.
Meanwhile, the Libyan army spokesman, Colonel Muhammad Gununu said Sunday that their troops shot down two Chinese-made Wing Long drones and an MI-35 attack helicopter in Abu Grein town, west of Sirte.
"All of the criminals on board the MI-35 were killed," said Gununu, citing that they were involved in conducting airstrikes against civilians in Tripoli and Abu Grein.
Speaking at a press conference, Gununu disclosed that the air force carried out 12 airstrikes against precise targets during Sunday's battles.
"Our forces inflicted heavy casualties in the aggressor's ranks, including scores of deaths and injuries, armoured vehicles, and missile platforms," said Gununu, noting that among those killed and captured were foreign mercenaries.
