TRIPOLI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Forces of the Libyan UN-backed government on Wednesday took over the entire area of Warshaffana in western Libya, hours after taking control of the largest military camp in the area, according to a military source.
"The joint forces have taken full control of the area of Warshaffana, including the main road leading to the western mountain towns, along with the coastal road leading to the border with Tunisia," a source of the Western Military Operations Chamber told Xinhua.
"General Osama Jweli, commander of the Western Military Region, told the military units to deploy throughout the area, secure vital roads in Warshaffana, and continue the pursuing criminals wanted by the Attorney General," the source added.
"Dozens of senior criminal group leaders have been arrested, while several others have fled," the source confirmed.
The fighting that lasted more than a week killed and injured 40 members of the rival armed groups in the area, while four government soldiers were killed and 10 others were injured, the source said.
The Government forces earlier on Wednesday took over the largest military camp in Warshaffana, a military source told Xinhua.
Warshaffana has witnessed military operations since last week by the forces of the UN-backed government to "eliminate crime in the area," a statement said.
Commander of the eastern-based army, General Khalifa Haftar, met with army commanders in Warshaffana shortly after the government forces announced taking over the area, according to the media office of the army.
No further details about the meeting have been provided.
The army warned of the continued attacks by the government forces on army sites and headquarters in Aziziya.
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Monday expressed concerns about reports of bombing civilian neighborhoods in Warshaffana.
"UNSMIL is concerned about reports of indiscriminate shelling in residential areas of Warshaffana. The mission reminds all parties of their legal obligations to ensure the protection of civilians," the mission said.
