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TRIPOLI, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Nine Libyan army solders have been killed in the eastern city of Benghazi in clashes with militants after the army took control of a crucial area in the city, according to a military source on Friday.
The army took control of Ganfouda district recently, an area known as "12 blocks" that used to be a haven for militants in Benghazi.
The Libyan army, led by Major General Khalifa Haftar, has been waging a war for more than two years against militant groups in Benghazi, a military operation Haftar calls "Dignity".
Despite ground success, the army still does not have full control of the city.
An army spokesman said the area has been secured on Thursday, revealing that the air forces have targeted militant positions.
The spokesman said the troops are still making progress on ground, and the army took over heavy artillery and tanks the militants left behind.
Libya has been suffering insecurity and violence since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country is plagued with political division and unrest.
