East Libya forces say they’ve taken full control of Benghazi

BENGHAZI, Libya – Libyan forces in the country’s east say they have cleared the final remaining pockets of the city of Benghazi of Islamist militiamen and armed opponents.

The head of the self-styled Libyan National Army, Gen. Khalifa Hifter, says that all that remained were some land mines and bombs to clear. He spoke in televised comments Wednesday.

He says his army “congratulates the Libyan people and thanks all the backing forces and neighbouring who supported us.”

He says: “Benghazi will enter a new era of security, stability, prosperity and peace. Displaced people will return home.”

Celebratory gunfire and fireworks rang out in the city’s streets.

Libya descended into chaos following the 2011 civil war that toppled and killed dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The oil-rich nation is now split between rival governments and militias.