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On May 12, the Libyan National Army (LNA) reinforced its positions around the city of Derna in northeastern Libya deploying an infantry battalion near the western entrance of the city and in the valley of Kirissah west of it, according to Africa Gate News.
The news agency also reported that heavy clashes had erupted between the LNA and members of the Shura Council of Mujahedeen in Derna (SCMD) in the al-Helah area, south of Derna. Following these clashes, the LNA artillery targeted several positions of the SCMD inside Derna.
The LNA, led by Marshal Khalifa Haftar, launched a military operation to capture Derna from the SCMD on May 7. Since then, the LNA has captured several positions from the radical group east and southeast of the city.
According to observers, the deployment of more troops around Derna indicates that the LNA is preparing to launch its main ground attack on the SCMD positions inside the city soon.
