AFP, Benghazi :
Islamist fighters launched a three-pronged attack Saturday on a key oil region in eastern Libya but were pushed back by pro-government forces, military officials said.
The attack came as Islamist militias in the eastern town of Derna say they have formed a new coalition ahead of an expected assault by pro-government forces.
More than three years after a NATO-backed uprising ousted and killed long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi, the country remains awash with weapons and powerful militias, and has rival governments and parliaments.
Islamists have seized Tripoli and second city Benghazi in the east, and forces loyal to international recognised Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thani are fighting to regain control of them.
Fighters from Fajr Libya, an anti-government Islamist coalition, attacked the Al-Hilal region from three sides on Saturday but the air force repelled them, said Brigadier General Saqr Jarushi.
Islamist fighters launched a three-pronged attack Saturday on a key oil region in eastern Libya but were pushed back by pro-government forces, military officials said.
The attack came as Islamist militias in the eastern town of Derna say they have formed a new coalition ahead of an expected assault by pro-government forces.
More than three years after a NATO-backed uprising ousted and killed long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi, the country remains awash with weapons and powerful militias, and has rival governments and parliaments.
Islamists have seized Tripoli and second city Benghazi in the east, and forces loyal to international recognised Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thani are fighting to regain control of them.
Fighters from Fajr Libya, an anti-government Islamist coalition, attacked the Al-Hilal region from three sides on Saturday but the air force repelled them, said Brigadier General Saqr Jarushi.
