Benghazi Defense Brigades (BDB) launched early on Friday a surprise attack on Dignity Operation forces in the oil crescent region in central Libya and took control of Sidra port and Ras Lanuf Airport, in addition to Ben Jawad and Nofaliya towns.
The attack is part of a military operation called “Return to Benghazi” aimed at facilitating the return of Benghazi IDPs to their city.
The operation was met with mixed reactions. In Tripoli and Misrata, demonstrations were held Friday evening to support the operation.
Libya’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Sadiq Al-Gharyani hailed the Return to Benghazi Operation and said on Tanasuh TV that victory is looming, calling residents of east Libya to join BDB to liberate Benghazi from the grip of Dignity Operation.
The operation was also praised by the Union of Benghazi IDPs. It said the operation aims to break the siege on Ganfouda and free the trapped families in there.
Libyan Elders’ Council and Tajoura elders have also welcomed the operation.
On the other hand, the UN-proposed Presidency Council condemned the operation and confirmed that it has no links to the fighting in the crescent region.
The Defense Ministry of UN-proposed government called all parties in the crescent region to stop fighting and said it would send a force to the region if both parties refused to comply with the cease fire call.
Tobruk-based House of Representatives also condemned the operation and hold local parties and some foreign countries, which it did not name, responsible for the attack.
