Field Marshal Khalifa announcing the liberation of Derna
On June 28, a general commander of the Libyan Nation Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, announced the full liberation of the northeastern city of Derna from the radical Shura Council of Mujahedeen in Derna (SCDM) group.
“We proudly announce the liberation of Derna, a city dear to all Libyans,” FM Haftar said in a televised speech, according to the UK-based al-Araby al-Jadeed newspaper.
Hours earlier the Sky News Arabia TV reported that LNA forces captured the last positions of the SCDM in the district of al-Maghar in central Derna. The LNA launched its final ground attack on the remaining SCDM fighters in the city five days ago.
Click to see full-size map
During the battle of Derna, which began on May 7, most of the fighters and the commanders of the SCDM were neutralized by the LNA. The radical group top commanders, including its general leader “Ateyah Al-Shaari”, were all killed or captured, according to Libyan sources.
FM Hafter promised that Libya will witness a “new era of freedom, security and peace” after the liberation of Derna. This is a realistic promise because the northeastern city was the last large stronghold of radical groups in the war torn country.
People celebrating in the streets of Derna after its liberation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiqdAG8TnpQ
