By Nureddin Sabir
Editor, Redress Information & Analysis

It has been long coming but Benghazi is at long last almost completely liberated from Islamic State, Al-Qaeda’s Libyan affiliate, Ansar al-Sharia, and other Islamist terrorists and cutthroats.

Today the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Brigadier-Geneal Khalifa Haftar, overran the terrorists’ positions in Sabri and nearby Suq al-Hout, close to the harbour.

This follows the LNA’s takeover in the past 48 hours of the districts of Buatni, Hawwari and Leithi, which means that practically all of Benghazi has been liberated from the jihadist cutthroats.

Libyan special forces commander thanking the residents who helped liberate parts of Benghazi from jihadist terrorists and cutthroats – 23 February 2016

The jihadists are now holed up in three south-western suburbs of the city: Guwarsha, Garyunis and Gamhuda.

In Hawwari, the LNA seized the Rafallah al-Sahati camp, which served as the Islamic State cutthroats’ operations centre, killing many terrorists. A number of prisoners who had been held in the camp for many months were freed.

The fall of Sabri and Suq al-Hout were broadcast this afternoon on Libya television.

“There is still a sense of disbelief in Benghazi at the extent of the army’s gains since the  launch of its operation on Saturday [20 February],” the Libya Herald news website reported.

“The warm sunny day in the city is adding to the mood of euphoria with motorists driving around, honking horns and waving flags,” it added.

Below are photographs of the liberated Leithi district, taken by our special correspondent this morning.

Benghazi resident rejoices at the ouster of jihadist terrorists

Liberated: Hijaz Street Roundabout, in Leithi district of east Benghazi

Libyan army soldiers stand at the entrance of Sheherazade Hall, Old Leithi, east Benghazi, just after its liberation from jihadist cutthroats

Liberated: Leithi, east Benghazi

Liberated: Libyan army soldiers in Leithi, east Benghazi

Liberated: Leithi residents tasting freedom from the jihadist cutthroats

Liberated: The Leithi highway, closed for months, has now been reopened

Liberated: The Leithi highway, closed for months, has now been reopened

Leithi destruction: Two years of fighting have left their mark

One of the numerous houses destroyed by years of fighting with jihadist cutthroats

Hardly a building in Leithi has been left intact