(Author: Libyan Gazette Editorial Staff)
General Khalifa Haftar’s Operation Volcano forces carried out airstrikes on Thursday in civilian populated area in the coastal city of Derna which killed three people, a mother and her two children, and wounded seven.
While the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) has spent the day liberating ISIS from Sirte, Haftar’s forces have been busy waging Operation Volcano, which can be seen as an extension of Operation Dignity, on the city whose fighters were instrumental in driving out ISIS from Derna in April.
The rogue general launched Operation Dignity in May 2014 in Benghazi to defeat his enemies and any group who he considered to be Islamists. However, his war in the east continues, as his enemies are not clearly defined.
What is evident, however, is that Haftar’s true enemy is not ISIS, but rather anyone who stands in the way of his dominance in the east, including the Derna Shura Council who have openly opposed him.
In addition, in the last two days, Haftar’s warplanes have also bombed the port in Derna twice, and a public stadium.
It has been reported that mass demonstrations were being held in Derna to protest Haftar’s airstrikes which have killed civilians and children.
